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\u2019re thinking about getting your personal vehicle or company fleet vinyl-wrapped, it\u2019s worth the investment. But there are some things to keep in mind to get the most life out of vinyl wraps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vinyl wrapping your fleet <\/a>is a valuable investment with many benefits. You shouldn\u2019t skip on proper care to make your vinyl wrap last. Whether you\u2019ve got a small window cling or a full vehicle wrap, follow these tips on caring for your vinyl-wrapped car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You wouldn\u2019t 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\u2019t 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<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to vinyl wraps, don\u2019t take the easy way out. While automatic car washes are quick and effortless, they\u2019re also vinyl wrap\u2019s 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\u2019s why handwashing or even going to a self-service car wash are the best options when you have a vinyl-wrapped vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also can\u2019t 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\u2019s adhesion to your vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bugs and bird poop are a vehicle\u2019s natural enemies. Act quickly once you\u2019ve met with these inevitable menaces. Remove these elements as quickly as possible to prevent stains. You don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, you may want to consider the design of your vinyl wrap to ensure you make choices that you\u2019ll be happy with long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that regular soap and water are best for cleaning your vinyl-wrapped vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Err on the side of caution when caring for your vinyl-wrapped car. Take the extra time to protect your vehicle, so you don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can wash your vinyl-wrapped vehicle as often as you\u2019d like, but it\u2019s best to wash it every week or two. You may want to wash it more frequently if you\u2019re driving more than usual or the weather results in it being dirtier than normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t have any peeling or scratches on your vinyl wrap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no reason to wash your vehicle immediately after it\u2019s wrapped. But if you think it needs washing, wait at least 12 to 48 hours to be sure the wrap has time to set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can wrap a vehicle with dents or scratches. Vinyl is flexible, so it fits over the vehicle\u2019s curves. You probably won\u2019t 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\u2019t want to risk putting vinyl over jagged metal areas that might cut into the wrap and damage it, but dings will hardly be noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vinyl wrap may take a bit of consideration, but it\u2019s a worthy investment<\/a> for your business. If you follow just a few simple rules, your vinyl wrap will look great and last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll always feel confident in your company vehicle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Extra Care for Your Vinyl-Wrapped Car is Essential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Caring for Your Vinyl Wrapped Car: Pro Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Products to Avoid When Caring for Your Vinyl-Wrapped Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cleaners that can damage vinyl include: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Caring for Your Vinyl Wrapped Car: FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How often should I wash my vinyl wrap? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I take my wrapped vehicle to a drive-through car wash? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I park my vehicle outdoors for extended periods? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How long should you wait to wash a car after applying a vinyl wrap? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you keep a vinyl wrap from fading? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I wrap a vehicle with imperfections? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Tips for Vinyl Wrap Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Other tips for caring for your vinyl-wrapped vehicle include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When Your Car Looks Good, You Feel Good<\/h2>\n\n\n\n