A professionally installed vinyl car wrap is a marketing tool, but in addition, think of it as an investment in your brand and your vehicle. Like any investment, proper care is key to ensuring it looks great and performs well for years to come. Regular maintenance not only keeps your wrap looking fresh, but it also protects your wrapped vehicle from damage caused by dirt, UV rays, and the elements. At SpeedPro Imaging Burloak, we specialize in vehicle wrap projects that turn heads and withstand the elements—but even the best wraps need consistent attention to maintain their vibrant colour, smooth finish, and long-term durability.

This guide will walk you through how to care for your wrapped vehicle so you can extend the life of your wrap and keep it looking sharp on the road:

Why Is Regular Maintenance Important For Car Wraps?

Vinyl wraps are engineered for durability, but daily exposure to the elements and other contaminants such as UV rays, dirt, grime, bird droppings, and tree sap can take a toll on your vehicle’s surface. If not cleaned and protected properly, your wrap may begin to fade, peel, or develop stubborn stains that are difficult to remove. If they’re not attended to quickly, they can cause long-term damage to your vehicle. 

But this can be avoided with regular upkeep! Routine maintenance enhances not only the longevity of your wrap but also the quality of your brand image. This maintains the aesthetic appeal of your wrap, protects the underlying material, and helps your vehicle make a professional impression. Clean, well-maintained wraps are more likely to turn heads, attract attention, and reflect the professionalism of your business. No matter if your wrapped car is a fleet vehicle or a small business delivery van, proper care is what makes that investment pay off in the long term.

Avoid Automated Car Washes And Be Careful With Pressure Washing

One of the most common wrap-care mistakes is using brush car washes. These automatic systems often use stiff brushes and harsh chemicals that can scratch, lift edges, or dull the finish of your vinyl wrap.

Instead, we recommend hand washing your vehicle using a soft microfibre cloth, soapy water, and a gentle touch. For more stubborn dirt, a low-pressure washer with a 40-degree spray nozzle can be used from a safe distance. (It’s good to aim for at least one metre away.) Also, to further extend the life of your wrap, try to avoid spraying water directly at the wrap’s edges, seams, or corners. 

Keep Your Vehicle Covered When Parked To Protect It From Tree Sap And Bird Droppings

Leaving your wrapped vehicle exposed to the elements for long periods can lead to accelerated wear and tear. Tree sap, bird droppings, UV rays, and pollutants all break down the surface over time, especially on matte wrap finishes that are more porous.

To prevent damage, park your vehicle in a garage or under a covered area when possible. If that’s not an option, using a breathable vehicle cover can help reduce exposure while still allowing air circulation. Our team at SpeedPro Imaging Burloak will be happy to advise you on which type of cover to invest in.

Clean Difficult Stains As Quickly As Possible

Not all contaminants are created equally—to further extend the life of your wrap, substances like tree sap, bird droppings, fuel spills, and road tar should be cleaned off immediately to avoid permanent damage to the vinyl material. These stubborn contaminants can bond with the surface and cause staining or warping.

Use a soft cloth and a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water (50/50 ratio) to gently wipe down the affected area. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh solvents, as these can scratch or discolour the wrap. For more challenging spots, speak to our team for recommendations on cleaning products specifically designed for vinyl care.

SpeedPro Are The Experts In Vehicle Wraps In The Burloak Region

With more than a decade of hands-on experience and 3M installation training, SpeedPro Imaging Burloak is your trusted partner for high-impact vehicle wrap solutions. Our team combines design expertise with industry-backed techniques to create vinyl car wraps that elevate your brand and stand up to real-world use.

From creative consultation to installation and ongoing care advice, we’re here to support your business every step of the way. We know that the success of your vehicle wrap project isn’t just about how it looks on day one—we know that it’s about how well it performs over time. We’re here to offer you high-performance vehicle wraps in Burlington and Oakville that protect your paint, turn heads, and drive results.