Life Expectancy Of A Vehicle Wrap: What You Need To Know

You invested in a vehicle wrap for your business. What should you do now? Vehicle wraps have promotional value and can last a long time if taken care of properly. If the wrap is installed correctly, you won’t have to worry about the life expectancy of a vehicle wrap. However, there are things to keep in mind for a long-lasting wrap.

Factors like sun exposure, climate, and frequency of washing can affect the longevity of your vehicle wrap.
Under normal conditions, the average lifespan of a vehicle wrap is about five years.
Always have your vehicle wrap installed by experienced professionals, like CoaterZ, for the best and longest-lasting results.
Washing can be a big issue with wrapped vehicles, but washing the vehicle by hand using a non-abrasive cleaner and soft rag can help to decrease the chance of damaging your wrap.
If you have to pressure wash your commercial fleet vehicles, never set the water pressure higher than 800-2000 psi and maintain a minimum distance of 12-14 inches from your vehicle.
If your vehicle wrap is showing signs of wear or needs a design update, bring it to a professional to remove and replace it without damaging the paint of your vehicle.

How Long Does a Vinyl Wrap Last?

This is a common question customers ask: What return can I expect from a vehicle wrap? The answer depends on factors like sun exposure, climate, and frequency of washing.

Wraps don’t last as long on vehicles that are exposed to the sun and used daily. They can last as short as two years. However, parking in the shade can increase the life expectancy to three or four years. Lightly used vehicles can have wraps that last seven years or more.

On average, a vehicle wrap lasts about five years. The installation process can also affect the lifespan of a wrap. Improper installation can lead to signs of wear like peeling or dirt. Choose a professional company, like CoaterZ, for the best results.

Extending the Life Expectancy of a Vehicle Wrap

Proper care and maintenance can extend the life expectancy of a vehicle wrap life and maximize investment benefits. Parking in a garage or shaded area, and keeping the vehicle clean, helps reduce wrap damage.

Harsh temperatures or extreme conditions can cause small bubbles in the wrap within the first couple of weeks. If bubbles appear, avoid pressing or fixing them yourself. Instead, bring the vehicle back to the wrapping experts for a heat-based solution.

Caring for a Wrapped Vehicle

Washing is a big issue with wrapped vehicles. You want the vehicle to stay clean so it looks professional and helps extend the life of the wrap, but frequent or improper washings can reduce the life expectancy of a vehicle wrap. Here are some care tips for wrapped vehicles:

Wash the vehicle by hand using a non-abrasive cleaner
Use a soft rag or sponge
Avoid using strong solvents on the vehicle
Rinse thoroughly after washing
Avoid car washes with automated brushes which can lift loose edges, scratch the surface, and dull the laminate
Avoid pressure washing as much as possible
Use Teflon or silicone-based polishes, if desired, for extra protection but avoid carnauba-based waxes
Don’t use any wax or polish on matte, textured, or specialty wraps
Wipe up spills as soon as possible
Use a citrus-based cleaner to remove grime and bugs. Test cleaners in a hidden spot first.
Avoid hard scrubbing

Pressure Washing a Wrapped Vehicle

Pressure washing isn’t recommended because the high pressure can damage graphics. However, this may be the only practical option for some commercial fleets. If you need to pressure wash a wrapped vehicle, follow these guidelines to help reduce the chance of damage:

Set the water pressure no higher than 800 psi to 2000 psi
Keep the water temperature under 180 degrees
Maintain a minimum distance of 12 to 14 inches between the nozzle and the vehicle
Use a sweeping spray at a 45-degree angle
Avoid Turbo pressure nozzles
Don’t spray damaged wraps or wrap seams

Replacing a Vehicle Wrap

Even with the best care, vehicle wraps only last so long. Here are some reasons you may want to remove your wrap:

The vehicle wrap is showing signs of wear like stains or lifting
You want to update the design
The company’s branding changes
You are getting ready to sell the vehicle
You want to promote a new product or service

It’s possible to remove the vehicle wrap without damaging the paint. This is a benefit of a wrap instead of a paint job. Vehicle wraps are a good way to advertise products and services. They can last a long time with care, making them a good investment.