On average, your vehicle wrap can last from 3 to 5 years. However, several factors will affect its life expectancy. With proper installation and care, you can extend the service life of the vinyl for another two years or more. However, remember that after five years of appropriate care, your vehicle wraps will start to degrade no matter how well they are cared for.
Below we’ll delve into the factors that contribute to the longevity of your vehicle wrap and answer questions such as, “how long does a wrap last on a service vehicle?”
Factors That Affect Vehicle Wrap Longevity
Several factors can affect the overall service life of fleet wraps. The quality of the material used and the level of expertise of the professionals applying the vinyl on your vehicle can have a significant impact on the lifespan.
Industry experts, certified by leading companies like 3M, can identify a vehicle’s challenging areas and use appropriate techniques to create a seamless design. For example, properly laying out the vinyl allows ample coverage and prevents peeling and other application defects.
Other factors, such as UV exposure and the climate can also significantly impact the fleet wrap’s service life. However, following the best practices for proper care and maintenance will help extend your fleet wrap’s lifespan.
What You Need To Know About Vehicle Fleet Wrap Life Expectancy
As mentioned earlier, determining the answer to the question, “how long do car wraps last?” will vary depending on how well the vinyl was installed and the maintenance you conduct. Further, properly applied and installed vehicle wraps last a long time, allowing you to make significant returns on your investment.
At AZPRO, we know the answer to: “how long does a wrap last on a car?”. We can also provide long-lasting quality fleet graphics and offer expert tips and advice to you to make your vehicle wrap last longer.
Let’s get into some useful tips to extend the service life of your vehicle wrap.
Ensuring Vehicle Wrap Longevity
Our team provides long-lasting, top-quality vinyl wraps for your fleet. We also help our clients ensure vehicle wrap longevity by supplying them with custom maintenance kits at no additional charge. On top of that, our specialists can provide you with maintenance instructions, so your fleet graphics remain in top form:
- Care and Maintenance for Your Vehicle Wraps
Determining how long car wraps last will depend on the level of care you provide for them. Ensuring proper maintenance for your vehicle wraps can double their serviceable life. This is because washing your vinyl wraps regularly will help keep the dirt, mud, dust and debris off your fleet wraps.
How frequently should you wash your vinyl wraps? At AZPRO, we recommend washing your vehicles every two weeks. However, if your vehicles go through rainstorms, you should clean them immediately. The best way you can wash your wrapped vehicles is through manual washing with soap and water. Using this process ensures the longevity of your fleet wraps.
You can use soap or car shampoo and water every time you wash your vehicles. However, using just water won’t cut it – water doesn’t remove dust and other pollutants that get stuck on the vinyl. We’ll discuss the details about properly washing your fleet wraps later.
Proper maintenance for wrapped vehicles includes applying wax on them every three months. You still need to apply wax to your wrapped vehicles because the car wax acts as a protectant. In addition, you can use silicone-based or Teflon polishes as well.
- Temperature and Sun Exposure
Extreme temperature and prolonged sun exposure have a significant impact on the longevity of fleet wraps. When the vinyl wrap is exposed to excessive heat, it makes the surface malleable, which can be susceptible to damage. On the other hand, freezing temperatures can make it brittle, causing cracks to appear on the vinyl surface.
The best way to protect fleet wraps from temperature extremes is to limit the exposure. Since the desert southwest is renowned for its heat, proper wrap care is the best defense.
The same is true of ultraviolet radiation (UV). Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun can dull the colors of fleet graphics, making them look old and worn. Again, the best solution is to prevent prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation.
- Vehicle Storage
It’s essential to provide ample storage to your wrapped vehicles if you want to extend the usable life of the vinyl. When your cars aren’t out on the road to advertise your business, keeping them in your company’s garage or a secure enclosure would be best.
A garage provides better protection from UV rays and the elements. You get the maximum protection for your wrapped fleet if you have insulation in your garage. However, you can fight the sun’s rays by ensuring your vehicles are parked in shaded areas or if in the direct sun, that they are parked at different angles to the sun. A rotational parking program ensures even exposure and helps prolonge the look of your graphics.
- Proper Washing Tips
Earlier, we mentioned that regular washing helps prolong the service life of vehicle wraps. Here are a few dos and don’ts you should keep in mind:
- Never wash wrapped vehicles while they’re exposed to direct sunlight.
- Use a soft sponge or any non-abrasive cloth when washing your vehicles.
- Dilute car wash detergent in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Using silicone emulsion-free and non-abrasive detergent soap or car shampoo is best.
- Never use acidic, petroleum-based, or other strong detergents.
- Don’t use water that’s hotter than 140°F.
- Use a low-pressure garden hose to rinse your vehicles.
- Gently wipe sensitive areas on your vehicles where the vinyl wrap can peel off, including the seams, mirrors, moldings and door handles.
- Avoid using a pressure washer, but if you need one, ensure that the nozzle tip doesn’t get closer than five feet from the vehicle, and the water pressure shouldn’t exceed 1300 PSI.
- The angle of your spray should never be lower than 60 degrees.
- Keep your vehicles in the garage or other shaded area to dry.
Extending Vehicle Fleet Wrap Life Expectancy with AZPRO
At AZPRO, we have dedicated professionals who can help you extend the life expectancy of your vehicle fleet wrap. Our specialists know the answer to vital questions, such as “how long does wrap last on a car?” Further, they can equip you with tools and tips to properly care for your vehicle’s vinyl.
Have you noticed peeling, lifting and other damage on your fleet wraps? Our team can help you resolve these issues. Our team carries a 3M Matched Components Systems (MCS) warranty and we’re certified G7 color reproduction experts. Call our specialists at 866-503-8345 or fill out this contact form to get more information, professional tips and advice.
