The average life expectancy of a vinyl car wrap is up to seven years; however, proper maintenance can increase this life expectancy.
Tips to increase the lifespan of a vinyl car wrap
Vinyl wrap improves a vehicle’s aesthetics while protecting its paint underneath. It has become a necessity for those who want to show off or advertise their business to the world. However, depending on weather conditions and maintenance, the wrap can also be torn away with time! Vinyl wraps are delicate compared to car paint. They require more care to keep them looking like new. However, you may use different cleaning products on your vehicle paint.
Professional tips to improve the lifespan of a vinyl car wrap
Auto Boss experts help you and extend professional tips to extend your vehicle wrap’s life. Some of the professional tips are:
Hand wash car
Pressure wash or machine wash can damage your vinyl car wrap. Use abrasive water pressure, harsh chemicals, and bristle brushes to clean your vehicle’s surface in a pressure wash. When you take a wrapped car for a pressure wash, it can damage your wrap. Pressure washes can cause swirl marks and scratches. It can also cause fading to your vehicle wrap from patches. Auto Boss detailers suggest hand-wash your vinyl car wrap. Use gentle cleaners, pressure, and soft clothes to wash the car. Avoid abrasive, oil-based waxes or products. Don’t scrub the wrap harshly, as it can damage it.
Pro-tip: Waxing is a traditional paint protectant but can shorten your vinyl wrap’s lifespan. Pat dry or quickly wipe down the water from the vehicle surface. Don’t leave water on your vehicle surface, as it can cause stains or watermarks.
Remove stains promptly
After reading the method of the wrapped car wash, the question is: how often do you need to wash your vehicle? Auto Boss suggests washing your vinyl wrap car every one to two weeks, depending on the road conditions. However, if you observe a harsh stain on your vehicle, remove it immediately because sunlight and heat can make it permanent on your wrap. For instance, a bug splatter or a bird dropping can be backed on the vinyl wrap surface when left unattended. Remove these bird droppings or squashed insects soon after you observe them.
Start cleaning your vehicle with water and a cleaner solution. Use a soft new cloth to remove the stain. Slightly buff the affected portion; don’t use too much pressure. Repeat this process twice or thrice as required. Rinse your vehicle surface after removing the stain. If the stain is not removed, don’t get tense. It will not destroy your vinyl wrap, but removing the stain earlier can prolong its life.
Use Isopropyl alcohol for stain removal
Rubbing, isopropyl, or green alcohol is used to clean the stains. After cleaning the stains, use cold water to rinse off the vehicle’s surface. Don’t wipe off the wrap when it is hot because it can cause wrinkles.
Don’t let oil spills stay
Auto Boss detailers suggest wiping off fuel spills as soon as you see them. Remember! Letting the oil spill unattended for a long time can degrade the vinyl wrap car. Remove this fuel spill by using a paper towel. Fuel contains harsh chemicals that can destroy your vehicle wrap.
Park in a shady area
While driving around, you can’t control sunlight or other environmental elements, but you can control sunlight while parking. It is important to park your vehicle in a garage or shady area. Remember! Avoid parking your vehicle under the trees or the shade of under-construction buildings. When you park your car under the trees, it will receive bird dropping or tree sap. However, parking the vehicle under the shade of an under-construction building will receive tons of dirt or debris.
Auto Boss experts suggest parking your vehicle in a garage. Parking a car under the garage is highly beneficial to maintain your vinyl wrap.
Pro tip: Don’t park your car under the sun, even if it has no noticeable stains. Sunlight and heat can permanently stain any environmental pollutants. Hence, parking in shady areas helps prevent potential stains and improves the lifespan of a vinyl wrap car.
Get professional wrapping
Don’t be amazed that professional car wrapping improves the lifespan of your vinyl wrap. For instance, when you get a vinyl wrap installation from an inexperienced professional, it may have loopholes and bubbles, or the edges must be appropriately tucked. However, professional installers like Auto Boss ensure proper vinyl wrap installation that provides a longer life for your vinyl wrap. Contact our experts to learn more about the vinyl wrap installation.
Avoid driving in the heavy rain
Suppose you want to protect your wrap from early wear and tear. In that case, we suggest avoiding driving under heavy rain or harsh sunlight for long periods. Heavy rainfall can scratch the vinyl wrap, and hail can act as a stone chip that can affect the overall appearance of your wrap.
However, if driving in the rain is necessary, wash your vehicle after parking. You can take your vehicle to professional detailers after every six months to maintain your wrapped car.
Things to avoid when cleaning your wrapped car
Auto Boss professionals have marked a few products to be avoided.
- Solvents
- Kitchen cleaners
- Oil-based cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Oven cleaner
- Orange oil
- Engine degreaser
Conclusion
Vinyl car wrap lasts up to five years. Depending on weather conditions and maintenance, its lifespan can increase or decrease after this time.
Remember! Car vinyl wrap starts peeling due to external factors, high impact, or dirt accumulation. Improper, abrasive, or high-pressure car wash can also lead to peeling off. Hand wash your car with mild or low pH cleaners for the best results.