When you have your company logo emblazoned on the outside of your vehicle, keeping it in pristine condition matters. The overall look of your vehicle makes an impression on prospective clients who may come into contact with your car. Maintenance is an important aspect of keeping your vehicle wrap in good condition for years to come.
Keep your car looking polished and new with some of these helpful tips to maintain your vehicle wrap the right way:
Regular Maintenance Suggestions
Much like any other type of car, a wrapped vehicle needs to be washed on a regular basis. The frequency that you have to wash it will depend on how often you drive it, the area you live in, and even where you park it. For example, parking your vehicle in a garage or warehouse when not in use may mean that you can go weeks without washing your car.
In most cases, you should wash the car two to four times a month. Even if you don’t have time for a full car wash, rinsing it down with plain water and the nozzle attachment on your hose can often be enough to remove dirt and debris from the exterior of the vehicle.
The best option for cleansers is a mild and non-abrasive type of cleaner mixed with clean water. Laundry detergent and dish detergent are acceptable options for a cleanser for your wrapped vehicle if you don’t have something specially formulated for cars. Keep in mind that it should not contain alcohol or harsh ingredients that could damage the longevity of your wrap.
Look for a cleaning solution with a pH level between 5 and 9. Always be sure to test the cleaner in a small and inconspicuous area before moving full-steam ahead and washing the whole car.
Once you are certain that the cleaner is safe for use, wet the car using plain water, and then use a gentle sponge to create suds. Working from the top down is most effective. Rinse the vehicle clean with more water from the hose, and then let it dry. You can choose to let it air dry or hand-dry it with a microfiber cloth. When you dry it by hand, you reduce the likelihood of water spotting.
Pressure Washing the Vehicle
Some business owners and employees responsible for caring for the company vehicle may feel that a regular hose simply doesn’t get the job done. They want to use something stronger such as a pressure washer. As long as you’re careful with the pressure washer and exercise caution, this could be an acceptable way to clean your vehicle.
First and foremost, you will want to keep all pressure washing below 2,000 PSI. Your spray nozzle should have a 40-degree wide-angle spray pattern. Always make sure the water is cool; it should never exceed 60℃ (140℉).
The nozzle should be kept approximately 305 mm (12 inches) away from the vehicle at all times. By getting too close to the vinyl wrap, you may cause damage or it could start to peel from the pressure.
Can You Use a Car Wash?
Car washes are often too abrasive and contain too many chemicals to safely wash a vinyl wrap. But if you must take it through a car wash, you should be mindful of which one you choose.
Never take the car through a car wash that utilizes brushes as they can lift off the vinyl decals on the car and leave you with a peeling wrap.
You should also avoid any of the upgrade features such as the wax that is typically offered at the end of your wash. Adding these types of finishes to the vinyl wrap can lead to damage to the decals.
Cleaning Stains and Hard-to-Remove Substances
If you notice that your vehicle has something staining its surface, the best thing to do is clean it right away. This eliminates the possibility of it drying on the wrap and permanently damaging the colour or the integrity of the vinyl. Be prepared to spot clean these problematic areas if they arise, and your vehicle wrap will last longer.
How do you remove stubborn stains? You can start by soaking your vehicle wraps in Winnipeg for a few minutes with some warm, soapy water. You can use the same type of soap that you use to regularly wash the vehicle. When it has had a chance to loosen up the substrate, rinse the affected area with cool water. Dry the car with a microfiber cloth when finished.
Sometimes, your stain may be deeper than what a regular soap can handle. When this is the case, don’t panic. You can mix up your own stronger cleaner using two parts water to one part rubbing alcohol. Test the mixture in an inconspicuous place to make sure it will not damage the finish of the wrap first. However, it is usually safe to use.
Gasoline spills are a little different. If you happen to spill fuel on the vehicle, you absolutely must wipe the excess fuel up as quickly as possible. Follow this up by washing it immediately using lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
Caring for Your Vehicle Wrap
A vehicle wrap is an investment in the marketing of your business, so you need to make sure to take care of it properly. The above maintenance tips will help you to keep your vehicle looking sharp for the years ahead. When you need Winnipeg signs, contact SpeedPro Winnipeg North for more information on vehicle wraps and other print marketing materials!
