In this article, we are going to consider how long wrap last on a car. Before that, let us see what car wrap involves, materials used and what wrapped cars are used for.
What Is Car Wrap?
Car-wrapping is the process of covering a vehicle in a thin layer of vinyl which can be easily removed once it is no longer needed. The vinyl is printed with a design, then applied to the car. It can be used to add graphics to vehicles or change their colour.
Car wraps are used mostly by companies looking for an eye-catching way to advertise their business, but they are also popular among individuals who want to change the look of their car without having to commit permanently with paint. The material allows for full use of the vehicle and it can last for up to five years if properly maintained.
The most common use of car wrapping is advertising.
The most common use of car wrapping is advertising. Car wraps are used by businesses in many different industries, ranging from food service to medical services. Some examples include:
- Billboards on Wheels – With a billboard, you only have a certain amount of space to advertise your company; with a car wrap, you can add more information, such as your business hours and contact information.
- Branding – A vehicle wrap can help increase brand awareness without having to spend too much money on media buys and billboards. You can also advertise your new products and services with just one wrapped vehicle rather than multiple billboards across town or the state!
- Mobile Billboard Ads – If you’re looking for new ways to target potential customers, then mobile billboard ads might be just what you need. These ads are placed on cars that travel through areas where there isn’t much foot traffic or other forms of advertising available, making them perfect for targeting people who aren’t usually exposed to traditional forms of advertisements like billboards or print ads in newspapers/magazines.
Car wrapping may be used to disguise a cheap or old vehicle, or to make it stand out in public, either for commercial purposes or as an individual expression by the owner.
Car wrapping may be used to disguise a cheap or old vehicle, or to make it stand out in public, either for commercial purposes or as an individual expression by the owner.
Popular applications include:
- Brand marketing – Wrapping vehicles of all types and sizes has become a very successful method of advertising companies.
- Individual expression – People who have their vehicles wrapped tend to have interests such as extreme sports, hobby activities and involvement in the entertainment industry.
How Long Does Wrap Last On a Car?
Once applied, a car wrap will last anywhere from three to five years. As with all things, the results of good care will produce better longevity than neglect. Where on your vehicle you place the wrap and how you take care of it are two important factors in determining how long it will last.
Certain companies offer warranties that cover their car wraps for up to seven years, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the product itself will last that long. It’s likely that the warranty includes repair services for damages caused by normal wear and tear and even those inflicted during installation or transportation.
How to maintain a vehicle wrap
Aside from being careful when washing and waxing, there are several things you can do to ensure your car has a long life:
- Avoid using pressure washers or scrubbing too hard when cleaning your vehicle. The pressure from water could lift edges of the vinyl or cause bubbling of material. You should also avoid excessive heat and sharp objects near your vehicle to prevent damage to the material.
- Park out of direct sunlight when possible (look into garages!). This helps prevent fading and peeling caused by UV rays that may extend beyond your warranty period.
- Keep your car clean—this means more than just regularly washing it—you should also check for any cracks or chips in the paint around areas where dirt could get trapped (like under door handles).
Wrap Durability in Different Locations of the Car
The durability of the wrap varies depending on which area of the car it is placed. Areas like the hood and roof usually last longer, as they are exposed to less wear and tear. However, these areas are also exposed to less heat, which can damage the wrap over time.
In contrast, other parts of your vehicle that are more likely to receive scratches from road debris or dirt such as headlights will likely not last as long.
Heat is the biggest factor in how long your wrap lasts, but for most people this shouldn’t be an issue since only about 4% of all cars have full wraps that cover their entire surface area (including windows).
Should I wrap my car?
The first question that needs to be answered is whether or not you should wrap your car. Car wrapping is the process of covering your car with a vinyl sticker that features an image or design of your choosing. There are several advantages to doing this, including:
- protecting the paint job underneath
- being able to change the look of your vehicle easily, as it’s easier to remove a wrap than paint
- different types of wraps may be more affordable options than repainting
- adding specific advertisements and/or corporate sponsorships on top
How to Protect your Car Wrap
You can take care of your car wrap and extend its longevity by following a few simple steps:
- Use a car cover to protect the finish when your car is parked outside.
- Wash your car regularly with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge. Allow the soap to sit on the vehicle for about three minutes before rinsing it off.
- Don’t use waxes or polishes on your vinyl wrap. These will penetrate the surface and cause staining or discoloration. They may also contain petroleum distillates that will cause the vinyl to shrink and pull away from the sides of your vehicle.
- Make sure any commercial car washes you visit don’t have high-pressure sprays that can harm your wrap, especially around seams and edges where they might penetrate to the underlying paint job.