Four vinyl-wrapped-car with various design at outdoors

Caring for Your Vinyl-Wrapped Car: Pro Tips

Custom vinyl wraps for your vehicle are the new frontier of marketing. You can literally promote on the go, making your vehicle a moving advertisement for your business. If you’re thinking about getting your personal vehicle or company fleet vinyl-wrapped, it’s worth the investment. But there are some things to keep in mind to get the most life out of vinyl wraps. 

Vinyl wrapping your fleet is a valuable investment with many benefits. You shouldn’t skip on proper care to make your vinyl wrap last. Whether you’ve got a small window cling or a full vehicle wrap, follow these tips on caring for your vinyl-wrapped car. 

Why Extra Care for Your Vinyl-Wrapped Car is Essential

You wouldn’t buy a new car and never get an oil change. Owning a vehicle means investing time and energy into its cleaning and maintenance. Vinyl wrap isn’t meant to last permanently. Most wraps last about five years before they start to show signs of wear and tear. But with proper care, you can extend the life of your vinyl for many years. And having a moving ad for your business makes vinyl wraps worth it. 

Vinyl is softer than paint, making it more prone to scratches or damage over time. Your vehicle is your brand ambassador, so you want to ensure it stays looking as good as new. Scratched, faded, or peeling vinyl isn’t a great look. Preventative care saves you time and money later by making your wrap last longer. And your car will appreciate a little TLC.

Caring for Your Vinyl Wrapped Car: Pro Tips

When it comes to vinyl wraps, don’t take the easy way out. While automatic car washes are quick and effortless, they’re also vinyl wrap’s worst nightmare. The intense pressure from the jets can cause premature peeling, and cleaning chemicals can cause colors to fade. The coarse bristles of the cleaning brushes may even scratch or damage your vinyl. That’s why handwashing or even going to a self-service car wash are the best options when you have a vinyl-wrapped vehicle.

You also can’t wash your vehicle too soon after getting a wrap. You must wait at least 12 to 48 hours after your wrap is applied to wash your vehicle. Cleaning your vehicle prematurely could affect the vinyl’s adhesion to your vehicle. 

Get in the habit of washing your vehicle often. A typical timeframe is every one to two weeks, but elements like weather, traffic, and dirt may increase the frequency. Once you see that familiar spotless shine, all the elbow grease will be worth it. Plus, keeping the vinyl clean prevents corrosion from things on the road, like salt from a winter storm. And a clean vehicle represents your brand well.

Bugs and bird poop are a vehicle’s natural enemies. Act quickly once you’ve met with these inevitable menaces. Remove these elements as quickly as possible to prevent stains. You don’t have to clean the entire car each time. Instead, use warm water and soap on the spots. Gently rub the affected area with a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratches. For tough stains, use denatured alcohol. Be sure to rinse your vehicle thoroughly when finished. 

Don’t wait on repairs. Get any holes or scratches in the vinyl repaired as soon as possible to prevent them from worsening. Never wax a vehicle with a vinyl wrap. It will degrade your vinyl and cause premature damage. Gentle soap and warm water is the safest method for effective cleaning. 

Invest in your vinyl wrap long-term by wrapping it with a vinyl-specific protector against UV rays. This added layer of protection will help decrease fading from sun exposure. 

Also, you may want to consider the design of your vinyl wrap to ensure you make choices that you’ll be happy with long-term.

Products to Avoid When Caring for Your Vinyl-Wrapped Car

Some products may be effective for normal vehicle cleaning but can cause more harm than good to your vinyl-wrapped car. Avoid harsh chemicals that can cause discoloration, cracks, or irreparable damage.

Cleaners that can damage vinyl include:  

  • Solvents 
  • Oil-based cleaners 
  • Engine degreaser 
  • Kitchen and bathroom cleaners 
  • Orange oil 
  • Window cleaners

Remember that regular soap and water are best for cleaning your vinyl-wrapped vehicle.

Caring for Your Vinyl Wrapped Car: FAQs

Err on the side of caution when caring for your vinyl-wrapped car. Take the extra time to protect your vehicle, so you don’t waste your investment. Below are some frequently asked questions from people who have vinyl wraps or are considering them. Use the answers to determine if vinyl wrapping is right for you. 

How often should I wash my vinyl wrap? 

You can wash your vinyl-wrapped vehicle as often as you’d like, but it’s best to wash it every week or two. You may want to wash it more frequently if you’re driving more than usual or the weather results in it being dirtier than normal.

Can I take my wrapped vehicle to a drive-through car wash? 

Avoid automatic car washes if you have a vinyl-wrapped car. The high-pressure and cleaning solutions can damage the vinyl. Instead, choose a manual car wash or hand wash it at home. These approaches will help ensure you don’t have any peeling or scratches on your vinyl wrap.

Can I park my vehicle outdoors for extended periods? 

Sun exposure or other outdoor elements like rain, smog, or pollutants can rapidly increase fading and discoloration of vinyl car wraps. Keeping your vinyl-wrapped vehicle in a garage or a covered area is best to avoid unnecessary exposure. 

How long should you wait to wash a car after applying a vinyl wrap? 

There’s no reason to wash your vehicle immediately after it’s wrapped. But if you think it needs washing, wait at least 12 to 48 hours to be sure the wrap has time to set.

How do you keep a vinyl wrap from fading? 

A vinyl wrap will fade with time and exposure to elements. But you can slow down the process. Apply a UV protection coating to extend the life of your vinyl. Also, protecting your car as much as possible from sunlight will help prevent fading.  

Can I wrap a vehicle with imperfections? 

Yes, you can wrap a vehicle with dents or scratches. Vinyl is flexible, so it fits over the vehicle’s curves. You probably won’t even notice scratches under the vinyl. But you will notice large dents. Still, these dents will look like dips in the car. You probably don’t want to risk putting vinyl over jagged metal areas that might cut into the wrap and damage it, but dings will hardly be noticeable.

Final Tips for Vinyl Wrap Care

Vinyl wrap may take a bit of consideration, but it’s a worthy investment for your business. If you follow just a few simple rules, your vinyl wrap will look great and last.

Other tips for caring for your vinyl-wrapped vehicle include:

  • Wipe off oil or gas spills immediately.
  • If pressure washing your vehicle, use a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide angle pattern, a psi below 2,000, and a water temperature under 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Avoid using ice scraper tools on your vinyl wrap.
  • Don’t wash your vehicle with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Always use a soft, clean microfiber cloth for cleaning.
  • Take your time when cleaning. Rushing can cause damage to small detail areas.
  • If you’re unsure, consult a professional about how to care for your wrap.

When Your Car Looks Good, You Feel Good

Your vinyl-wrapped vehicle is the on-the-go face of your company. When your car looks good, you feel good. Preventative care is crucial to extending the life of your vinyl wrap. Be meticulous with cleaning and detailing, so you’ll always feel confident in your company vehicle. 

Lettering Express provides businesses with the products they need to get noticed and be remembered. We see vinyl car wraps as affordable luxuries that can take your business to the next level. Contact us today to create your custom vinyl wrap to attract the type of business your company deserves.