Teran Marsell | Published on May 18th, 2017
Investing in a quality vinyl vehicle wrap is exciting, but you want to know how long your new look will last. That depends on many factors. Getting the most life out of your wrap is easy with a little know-how. We will answer the question “how long does a vehicle wrap last?” below.
Pick The Best
The life of any vinyl vehicle wrap begins at day one. Always go to a professional company that uses the best materials to provide proper care for your car. A good tech knows how to handle contours of the vehicle without leaving bubbles or bare spots. Those problems will cause peeling and compromise the wrap.
A preferred company will use a high-quality vinyl that is strong enough to withstand everyday road conditions. Be sure to go over the work with the tech and point out any trouble spots you find. They will correct it immediately and at no extra cost. Getting that perfect fit adds years to the life of your vinyl wrap.
Your Environment
Where you live will contribute to the ultimate demise of the wrap. Hot, dry conditions are harder on wraps than milder climates. Heat and sun will cause fading of the graphics. The extreme heat will also cause cracking and peeling. If you live in an area with these conditions, consider a wrap with UV protection.
On the other hand, if you live in an area with brutal winters, you will encounter road salt or other clearing chemicals on the road. While the car wrap is protecting your original paint job from the effects of these chemicals, it is being attacked. Road salt can corrode the vinyl just as it does the paint and metal of your car. Keeping it as clean as possible will help defend against damages.
Show Or Go
How you use your vehicle will dictate how long a car wrap will last. Obviously, the more intricately designed graphics or chrome finish on a show car will last much longer than an everyday driver. If possible, keep your wrapped vehicle in the garage during inclement weather. By not exposing it to the elements you will lengthen the lifespan of the wrap. Since that is not always feasible, simply being diligent with keeping the wrap clean will ensure the longest life possible
Tender Loving Care
Be gentle when cleaning your car. Absolutely no car washes ever. High-pressure water jets will get in seams and edges, forcing the water under the wrap and destroying the seal. Even a tiny bit will cause bubbling and peeling. Hand washing the car with a soft cloth is recommended. The chemicals in the soap and coarse bristles on the brushes will encourage erosion of the wrap, and this will never happen evenly.
The more compromised areas will deteriorate faster, leaving you with a car covered in blisters or thinning spots.
The Final Word
All the extenuating circumstances considered, it all boils down to the care of the vehicle. A daily driver can expect a quality wrap to last five or more years. The show car will see seven years or better. Though the vinyl should be properly installed. A good vinyl wrap is an excellent investment with amazing returns. It has protected the paint job on the car, so after removal, your resale value is still high.
To explore the world of vinyl vehicle wraps, call Team Acme at (702)566-8326 or visit our website at https://www.teamacme.com/. We have your vehicle’s future all wrapped up.
