How Long Does a Car Wrap Last? 7 Tips

Car wraps are a great way to give your vehicle an updated look. Not only do they look stunning, their long lasting durability means that once you get one, you don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. But how long does a car wrap last?

In this blog post we’ll explore what factors determine the lifespan of a wrap and how you can make sure yours lasts as long as possible.

How Long Does a Car Wrap Last?

On average, car wraps can last between five to seven years, but with the right care, you can extend their lifespan even further. Taking simple steps like hand-washing your car instead of using high-pressure water car washes, avoiding harsh chemicals, and parking in the shade when possible can all make a significant difference.

Related: How To Remove Vinyl Wrap?

7 Effective Ways 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?

5 Common Vinyl Wrap Mistakes To Avoid?

Vinyl wrap installations can be tricky and mistakes can happen if proper steps are not followed.

Here are some common vinyl wrap installation mistakes to avoid:

Poor Cleaning and Preparation:

Before installing the vinyl wrap, make sure the surface is clean and free of debris. Any dirt left behind can ruin the adhesive bond and cause lifting or wrinkling.

Improper Measuring:

Accurate measuring is crucial to avoid wasting material and time. Improper measuring can result in inaccurate cuts and ruin the wrap.

Incorrect Use of Heat Gun:

Improper use of the heat gun can cause the vinyl to stretch or melt. It’s important to use the heat gun correctly to avoid any damage to the vinyl.

Poor Post-Installation Procedures:

After installing the vinyl wrap, proper post-installation procedures should be followed to avoid any damage to the vinyl. This includes giving the vinyl enough time to cure and using post-heating techniques to eliminate the “sticking memory” of the vinyl.

Not Hiring a Professional:

If you’re unsure about your ability to install a vinyl wrap, it’s better to hire a professional to ensure a flawless result. A professional installer will have the necessary skills and experience to do the job right.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Vinyl Wrap

Your car wrap is a valuable investment that makes your vehicle stand out on the road. However, as with anything that’s exposed to the elements, it’s only a matter of time before signs of wear and tear start to show. Among the most obvious signs you need a replacement are fading, peeling, or hairline cracking.

These issues usually begin near the edges of your car and gradually spread. Avoid ugly bubbling or rippling by being vigilant about maintenance and seeking professional replacement services when necessary.

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

Finally, thank you for taking the time to read our blog post on how long does a car wrap last today!

Overall, wrapping a car is an easy, inexpensive way to change up a boring ride. And as long as you’re careful and take the necessary steps, your wrap can last for years!

However, it’s important that you understand vinyl car wrap mistakes to avoid in order to protect your investment. Have your wrap done professionally to ensure proper installation and utmost quality.

Make sure you use high-quality materials and products and follow the instructions carefully; if a step is skipped or overlooked, it could potentially cause damage and lead to costly repairs. Utilize storage-friendly tips for every season and maintain good care of your vehicle. Taking these precautions will no doubt assure that you and your car enjoy each other’s company for many miles to come!