Our professionally installed custom vehicle wraps typically last around 5 years on average.
To help you extend the life of your vehicle wrap (whether it’s for business advertising or color change) to get the absolute most out of your investment, we have put together this list of DIY vehicle wrap maintenance recommendations.
WASHING YOUR WRAPPED VEHICLE
Rinse your vehicle every 2 weeks or so to help prevent dirt and grime from building up. A nice Niagara rain shower works too!
When washing your wrapped vehicle, make sure to:
A. Hand wash itusing a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Skip the automatic car washes which use brushes that can scratch the vinyl of your wrap.
B. Use mild soapthat is non-abrasive. Avoid harsher detergents, convents or degreasers.
C. Go with lukewarm waterbecause really hot water can risk damage to the vinyl wrap
D. Rinse thoroughlyso that no soap residue remains to avoid streaks or damage to the vinyl over time.
To dry your wrapped vehicle, use a soft microfiber towel to gently pat dry. Avoid air drying in direct sunlight to avoid water spots from forming that could be difficult to remove later on.
EXTRA TIP: Be aware of temperatures. Vinyl wraps perform best in moderate temperatures so avoid washing in freezing weather to prevent cracking and avoid exposing the vehicle to extremely high heat immediately after washing.
MAINTAIN AND PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE WRAP
Other than regular washing, here are other things you should consider to help extend the life of your vehicle wrapping.
1\ If you’re going to wax, use a high-quality, wrap-safe wax or sealant. Avoid petroleum-based products that can degrade the vinyl.
2\ Protect from UV rays by parking in shaded areas or use a car cover as often as you can to minimize sun exposure since prolonged UV rays can cause fading or discoloration to your vinyl wrap.
3\ Avoid sharp objects. Be careful around parking lots, tools and tree branches that could scratch or peel the wrap. This is good advice for any vehicle, wrapped or not!
4\ Remove contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, bug residue as soon as possible using a gentle, vinyl wrap-safe cleaner. For hard to remove spots, first soften them with warm water or a spray-on cleaner before wiping. Do not scrub aggressively!
5\ Regularly inspect your wrap for bubbles, peeling, or lifting edges. Any small damages you find can often be repaired by a professional before they worsen. Similar in concept to repairing a small windshield chip before it turns into a larger crack.
EXTRA TIP: Always follow the specific recommendations provided by your vehicle wrap service provider, as some vinyl materials may have special care instructions.
Keep up with routine maintenance to maximize longevity because maintaining vehicle wraps is crucial for keeping them looking fresh and extending their lifespan.
This way you keep getting the benefits of vehicle wraps for longer!
1 Hour Signs Niagara is located at 626 Welland Ave in St. Catharies. We proudly serve the Niagara area with everything people need to promote their business or event. We specialize in signs, printing, vehicle wraps and so much more.
