Curious about how long a car wrap will last? The answer depends on several factors, including the quality of the vinyl used, the installation process, and the conditions the car is exposed to. In this article, we’ll explore the question how long does a car wrap last in more detail and discuss the factors that can affect the lifespan of a vehicle wrap. We’ll also share tips on how to extend the life of your car wrap and what to avoid to prevent damage.
How Long Does a Car Wrap Last?
Most car wraps can last between five to seven years before experiencing cracks, fading, and peeling. To maximize the lifespan of a car wrap, proper preparation and regular maintenance are crucial. This includes cleaning the wrap regularly with a gentle detergent and avoiding exposing it to harsh weather conditions or abrasive materials.
What factors can affect the lifespan of a vehicle wrap?
Proper Care and Maintenance
A vehicle wrap can last longer if you maintain it properly. This includes regularly washing the car, waxing when necessary, avoiding abrasive cleaning products or scrubbers that could damage the vinyl, and protecting your wrap from extreme temperatures.
Temperature
Both extreme heat and cold can negatively impact your wrap. If the temperature gets too hot, the wrap can become malleable and more susceptible to damage. On the other hand, if the temperature drops too low, the wrap can crack.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause fading and cracking over time. To reduce this, you should park in the shade whenever possible. Additionally, you can apply a protective coating that will help block out some of the sun’s rays and keep your wrap looking new for longer.
Quality of Wrap
The quality of your wrap will have an effect on its lifespan as well. Make sure to go with a reputable company and get premium-grade vinyl material if you want your wrap to last longer. The more expensive option may be worth it in the long run if it helps protect your investment.
Related: How To Remove Vinyl Wrap?
How To Make Your Car Wrap Last Longer
Here are seven tips that can help prolong the lifespan of your car wrap:
1. Hand wash your vehicle
To keep it looking its best for as long as possible, it’s important to take good care of it. One effective way to do this is by hand washing your car. Sure, it may take a little extra time, but the pay off is worth it. Strong jets in car washes can cause lifting at the seams, and brushes can scratch the vinyl. Plus, harsh chemicals and abrasives can make colors fade over time. To keep your car wrap looking fresh and vibrant, grab some mild detergent and a soft sponge, and give your vehicle a good cleaning by hand.
2. Wash your vehicle wrap often
Yes, hand-washing is the best option, but even if you can only manage a regular car wash, it’s better than nothing. Especially if you spend a lot of time in traffic, your car can accrue a lot of dirt and debris. By washing your vehicle every 1-2 weeks, you’ll maintain its stunning appearance and prolong the life of your wrap. Trust us, once you start seeing your shiny, clean car, you’ll never want to wait a month to wash it again.
3. High Quality Materials
As a car owner, it’s important to remember that accidents can happen anytime. While there’s no foolproof way to prevent scratches or dents from occurring, you can take steps to avoid damage to your vinyl wrap. Wiping away the accumulated dirt and grime from your wrap on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining its longevity.
Vinyl is much more delicate than metal, and letting dirt and dust accumulate on it for extended periods of time can lead to discoloration and other issues. So, make sure you use a vinyl-friendly washing solution and avoid using protectants like wax and polish meant for metal.
4. Promptly Address Stains, Insects, Gasoline, and Sap
If you’ve invested in a car wrap, you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. To keep it looking its best, it’s important to remove stains, insects, gasoline, and sap as soon as you notice them. While warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth are great for gentle cleaning, some stains require tougher solutions.
But be careful – not all products are created equal. Avoid using solvents or oil-based products, as these can cause damage to the vinyl.
It may be tempting to use kitchen soap or detergent, but don’t do it. Stick with products like denatured alcohol, Simple Green, or Meguiar’s Gold Class™ Bug and Tar Remover that are specifically designed for car wraps.
5. Reputable Wrap Company
When it comes to choosing a wrap company, reputation is everything. As a buyer, it’s essential to do your research and ask around about a company’s reputation before committing to a purchase. Look for references from other companies or read online reviews to gain insight into their quality of work and customer service.
Additionally, take the time to learn about their products and services and inquire about all costs, including fees associated with design or installation. Shopping around for companies that fit your budget constraints while providing quality products and services is crucial. A combination of online reviews, years in business, and personal references will help you choose a reputable wrap company that will give you a final product the way you imagined it.
Before making a final decision, make sure to familiarize yourself with their policies, especially customer service policies. These steps will help ensure that you’re making a sound investment in a reputable wrap company.
6. Don’t wax your vinyl-wrapped vehicle.
One common mistake to avoid is waxing your car. While wax can help protect against wear and tear, it can actually degrade the vinyl and shorten the life of your wrap. It may seem like a good idea to add a layer of protection, but in this case, less is more. Stick to using gentle soap and a soft microfiber or sponge to avoid damaging your car wrap.
7. Store your car in a cool, dry place
As a car owner who’s invested in a vinyl wrap, you want to ensure that it looks sleek and vibrant for as long as possible. That’s why it’s important to store your car in a cool, dry place. Vinyl wraps are known to deteriorate under extreme heat and direct sunlight, which can lead to premature fading or cracking.
To avoid this, park your car in a garage or covered area when it’s not being driven. This will not only protect your investment, but also give you peace of mind knowing that your car will look its best for years to come.
Related: How To Remove Scratches From Car?
FAQs about How Long Does a Car Wrap Last?
Is 3M wrap good?
Compared to other brands such as VVivid, Teckwrap, VinylFrog, and Chinese wrap products, 3M’s vinyl wrap is made of top-quality materials and has a longer lifespan. Some of the other brands use inferior calendered film which tends to fade quicker, shrink faster, and is of lower quality than 3M’s major brand products.
What is the downside of wrapping a car?
While a vinyl wrap can give your vehicle a fresh look, over time the colour may begin to fade or show signs of damage. As the protective layer of the wrap wears down, the original paintwork becomes more vulnerable to scratches, dings, and other forms of wear and tear.
Do car wraps scratch easy?
Car wraps made of PVC are known for their high durability and ability to withstand typical wear and tear. As a result of this material makeup, minor scratches that may occur during everyday car use are easily sustained by car wraps. Additionally, these scratches are superficial and do not penetrate the coating’s surface.
Will a car wrap ruin my paint?
No, a car wrap will not ruin your paint. In fact, if the original paint job was already aged or damaged, a car wrap can help protect your vehicle by providing an extra layer of protection against the elements.
As long as you take proper care of your vinyl wrap and check it regularly for signs of damage, it should last several years without causing any harm to the underlying paint.
Conclusion
A vinyl wrap is a great way to give your car a fresh, unique look. However, in order for it to last and look its best, proper care must be taken to maintain the wrap’s integrity. Follow these tips on how long does a car wrap last to ensure that your investment gives you the best possible return.
Make sure to regularly clean and inspect your wrap, promptly address any stains or insects, choose a reputable wrap company, and store it in a cool, dry place. By properly caring for your vinyl wrap, you can extend its life and enjoy having a car that stands out from the crowd.
I’m Timothy Ballard, owner of a used car dealership in Springfield. I love just about everything automotive, but I have a special place in my heart for trucks. I’m an ASE Certified Master Technician, so I know my way around a car. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking new trails.
Situated in SoCal, this area boasts an array of new shops. Although some claim durability for 3-7 years, a reputable wrapping shop with a solid 12-year track record advises a more realistic estimate of 2 years for a gloss color before any signs of fading occur. Moreover, it’s crucial to consider the potential damage to the original paint caused by the bonding process. Notably, it’s worth mentioning that both 3M and Avery do not provide warranties for material fading and defects. As I ponder this, the suitability of such an investment for a mere 2-year lifespan seems questionable.