At A Glance

• Vinyl wraps typically last for 5 to 7 years.
• Proper care can dramatically increase the lifespan of your vinyl wrap.
• Choose high-quality, professionally installed vinyl wraps to get the most life out of your vehicle wrap.
• Keep your vehicle out of the elements to increase the lifespan of your wrap.

The Average Lifespan Of A Vehicle Wrap

The average lifespan of a vehicle wrap is 5 to 7 years. Manufacturers like Avery Dennison advertise lifespans of 12 years for some of its vinyl wraps. The discrepancy is all about how wraps are cared for and their quality. In contrast, a well-cared-for, high-quality, professionally installed vinyl wrap can last for a decade or longer, while a low-quality wrap may only last for a year or two. 

Tips To Care For A Vehicle Wrap

Vinyl wrap care is fairly straightforward; it’s more involved than caring for a car’s original paint job, but not so complicated that it should deter you from getting a vinyl wrap. Here’s what you need to know:

• Never take your wrapped car through an automatic car wash.
• Hand wash the wrap regularly using a non-abrasive detergent.
• Use a soft cloth or a sponge to wash your wrap.
• Rinse the vehicle thoroughly when you’re done washing it.
• Wash your vehicle whenever it seems dirty.
• Soak sap, droppings, and other difficult contaminants with warm, soapy water for several minutes before wiping them with your cloth or sponge.
• Look into Paint Protection Film (PPF), it helps protect against rock chips, scratches, rusting, and helps with the longevity of the vehicle. It can also be used to change a finish from gloss to matte if someone wants to keep the colour of your vehicle.

By washing your vehicle anytime it gets dirty, you can eliminate contaminants before they scratch your wrap. You can pressure wash your car wrap, but it’s not the preferred method; keep the spray below 1200 psi and below 80°C, and be sure to keep the nozzle at least 1 foot from your vehicle.

Factors That Affect The Lifespan OF A Vehicle Wrap

Quality

The quality of your car wrap has a huge impact on its lifespan. The high-quality materials used by manufacturers like 3M and Avery Dennison can last for up to seven years or longer; lower-quality calendared vinyl, on the other hand, won’t last for more than one or two years. 

Installation Method

A professionally wrapped vehicle is going to last a lot longer than one you install yourself. The pros at SpeedPro Winnipeg North have gone through training designed by 3M and Avery Dennison to ensure your vinyl wrap will last for as long as possible.

Care

Following the care tips we outlined above can dramatically improve the lifespan of your wrap. As we mentioned, contaminants can do a number on your car wrap if they’re not cleaned off properly. 

The Elements

Harsh weather conditions can cause your car wrap to deteriorate early. Try to keep your vehicle out of extreme heat and cold; continuous sun exposure can also cause problems. The best way to preserve your vinyl wrap is to keep it covered in a garage or covered parking lot when it’s not in use. Our vinyl wraps are designed to endure the harsh elements here in Winnipeg, but avoiding exposure as much as possible will help improve the longevity of your wrap.

Want A Long-Lasting Vehicle Wrap To Advertise Your Business? Choose SpeedPro Winnipeg North!

By following our maintenance tips and putting a little extra care into your wrapped vehicle, your vinyl wrap will advertise your business for years to come. For vinyl wraps Winnipeg businesses can count on to stand the test of time, choose SpeedPro Winnipeg North.