One of the most common questions we receive is “how long will my vehicle wrap last?” While there are many factors that impact the lifetime of a vehicle wrap, the short answer is that you can expect your premium vinyl graphics to last between five and seven years.
So, how do you ensure that your vehicle graphics are holding up that long? Here are some tips and tricks to maintaining your vehicle wrap.
Proper Washing of Vehicle Graphics
One of the most important pieces of vehicle wrap care is washing your graphics. You want your wrap to stay looking shiny and new, but you can’t run your vehicle through any car wash, as you chance damaging your wrap. To keep your vehicle looking it’s best, follow these washing tips:
Hand Washing: Ideally, hand washing is best for your vehicle’s graphics. According to 3M, wash whenever the vehicle appears dirty with a non-abrasive detergent, using a clean cloth or sponge. The longer contaminants are on the graphic, the harder they are to remove.
Automated Car Washes: You can take your wrap through a car wash, but it should be a touch less wash. Car washes that use brushes or bristles may cause dulling or scratching of the graphics, which could lessen the lifetime of your vehicle graphic.
Pressure Washing: Pressure washing can be another option for cleaning your vinyl wrap, if these guidelines set by 3M are followed:
- Ensure the water pressure is kept below 2000 psi (14 MPa).
- Keep the water temperature below 180 °F (80 °C).
- Use a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide angle spray pattern.
- Keep the nozzle at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the graphic.
In general, hand washing is always the preferred method for washing your vehicle graphics. Keeping your vehicle wrap clean ensures that contaminants that may break down your wrap are removed, and helps keep your graphics looking newer, longer!
Leave Repairs and Removals to the Professionals
Accidents happen. Your vehicle may be involved in an accident, or a corner of your wrap may lift due to wear and tear or washing. If a repair is needed on your wrap – leave it to the Advertising Vehicles team! You want your vehicle wrap to last as long as possible, which means bringing the vehicle back to the professionals may be necessary if the wrap needs repair.
We know that it can be tempting to pop a bubble or smooth down an edge that is peeling back. Resist the urge to fix these issues yourself! We know how to properly fix any issue that arises and are happy to step in to make sure your wrap looks great. Most issues tend to surface within the first 30 days of application, so keep an eye on your vehicle and any imperfections that may pop up.
The same can be said when looking to remove your wrap. The longer you leave the vinyl graphics on your vehicle past the recommended lifetime of a wrap, the more difficult and labor intensive it can be to remove it. This often leads to vinyl cracking and could potentially damage your vehicle’s paint underneath. To avoid this, follow the recommended care of your vehicle wrap, and work with professionals to remove it within 5-7 years.
Know Your Warranty Resources
In addition to leaving repairs to the pros, it’s important to also know if your wrap may be covered under warranty. At Advertising Vehicles, we primarily use 3M products for our vinyl graphics. That means that many of our wraps are covered under 3M’s MCS Warranty. You can find more information on the warranty at 3M’s website, or by asking your Advertising Vehicles account executive or project manager.
Taking care of your wrap, and fixing any issues right when they arise, is key to elongating the life of your graphics.
Park in Protected Areas
Another important piece of vehicle wrap care is the location you park your vehicle. Here are some parking tips to keep in mind:
Park indoors if possible: If you’re able to, parking your vehicle inside is the best way to protect your graphics. An indoor parking space keeps your graphics in a temperature-controlled space, out of the sun, away from the elements, and protects your wrap from any potential damage.
However, we do understand that many businesses may not have indoor parking for the entire fleet of vehicles. Here are our recommendations for vehicles parked outdoors.
Park in the shade: Extended exposure to the sun can cause damage to your vehicle wrap. We recommend parking in a shaded area, either under a canopy, shelter, or behind your building away from direct sunlight.
Away from trees: Parking under or near a tree exposes your wrap to potential contaminants, like sap or debris.
Off the street: If you’re able, park your wrapped vehicle in a space away from the road. Parking alongside traffic increases the risk of your vehicle being swiped, scratching, ripping or completely removing your vehicle wrap.
Keeping your fleet of wrapped vehicles in a safe place helps keep your graphics looking great – and extends the lifetime of the wrap.
Caring For Your Vehicle Graphics = Longer Lifetime
When cared for properly, vehicle graphics can deliver a high return on investment, maintaining vibrant colors and a professional appearance for years. Following the above tips, like hand washing, addressing repairs professionally, and parking strategically, extends the lifetime of your wrap and keeps your branding looking fresh!
Whether your vehicle wrap is on a single truck or an entire fleet, these maintenance steps protect your graphics, ensuring that they remain an asset for as long as possible. Taking the time to care for your vehicle graphics means more effective advertising that keeps your brand visible and impactful on the road.
