A full or partial car wrap is a great method of advertising your business or making your vehicle stand out in a crowd. When it comes to car wraps, there are many potential hazards that can reduce their usable life. With proper care and maintenance, car wraps can last up to 7 years and longer, but inadequate care can significantly reduce this life expectancy. As leading providers of quality vehicle wraps, the team at Wrap Guys understands the importance of proper care. That is why their team has provided some tips on how to maximize the life of your car wrap.
What surfaces can be vinyl wrapped?
3 Ways to Maximize the Life of Your Car Wrap
To ensure lasting durability and appeal for your vehicle wrap, you will need to:
1. Keep it Clean
Regular cleaning with a sponge or soft cloth and soapy water will help to dislodge any foreign objects from the vinyl, preventing them from damaging it in the future. Cleaning will also remove substances like coffee, insects, and bird droppings before they set in and become difficult stains. As a general rule, we recommend cleaning your vinyl wrap at least once every one or two weeks. The longer you go between cleaning, the more difficult it will be to remove stains and debris.
2. Avoid High-Pressure Water and Wax
To clean your vehicle, you may be tempted to use a pressure washer or car wash to deliver quick results. Neither of these methods are recommended for a wrapped vehicle as the intense pressure of the water and chemicals used for cleaning can damage the vinyl. If you choose to pressure wash a wrapped vehicle, ensure that you are using a low-pressure unit that delivers no more than 1,000 PSI. In addition to car washes, we advise against using wax on your vinyl wrap. Instead of protecting your vehicle, wax degrades the vinyl and reduces its durability.
3. Store Your Vehicle in a Safe Location
One of the best ways to maximize the usable life of your car wrap is to ensure that your vehicle is parked in a safe location whenever possible. While it may be difficult to park away from the elements or direct sunlight for some businesses, ensure that your vehicle is parked in a garage or underground parkade when not in use. This will protect your wrap from snow, extremely heavy rain, and direct sunlight, each of which can cause damage to vinyl over time.
To learn more about how to maximize the life of your car wrap, get in touch with the Wrap Guys team. They can be reached at 604-996-6389 and will be happy to assist you.