That feeling of driving around your freshly wrapped vehicle is one that we all love. It provides you not only excellent exposure to your organization but also a great sense of empowerment in what you do. As great of an impact a new and well maintained wrap has, a poorly maintained wrap can have the reverse effect. These are 4 essentials for maintaining your vehicle wrap.

1.) Proper Toirain. Not only is this bad for your vehicle in general, it can also cause some major issues for your wrap. Though your wrap (done correctly by your local sign company) should hold up great to various elements, it often times is the stray stones that can cause the most damage. Gravely and other loose surfaces should be taken slowly and as infrequently as possible.

2.) Proper Cleaning. Simple soap and water usually does the trick! If you are using a form of detergent, be sure to stay away from abrasive components. This includes strong solvents such as alcohol and should have a pH balance between 3 and 11.  

A pressure washer may be used carefully, as long as you do NOT do any of the following:

• Use hot water.
• Spray directly on the wrap itself.
• Spray directly on a seam.
• Use an automatic washer’s bristles
• Spray over perforated window film (2-way window film)

3.) Proper Waxing. Hand waxing your vehicle with an approved wax at least every three months, will prolong the life of the wrap. The wax provides additional UV protection and even make the removal process easier.  Be sure to NEVER use a buffer or wax that contains petroleum distillates.

4.) Proper Parking. We recommend trying to park your vehicle in a garage or another form of covered shelter when at all possible. Parking for prolonged periods of time in direct sunlight can lead to faster fading. Parking underneath certain trees, such as trees that contain sap can also cause problems.  For difficult to remove contaminants, such as bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, etc., try to soften them by soaking for several minutes with hot, soapy water then rinse thoroughly. If a harsher chemical is needed, be sure to test first in an inconspicuous area. 

Caring and maintaining your vehicle wrap is really not much different than caring and maintaining any other vehicle. At the end of the day, just a little bit of attention and love will go along way! Also be sure to report any seams or surfaces that begin to peel up to your local sign company. It always best to catch any issue as early as possible.

Looking For More Resources?

Don't have a vehicle wrap? Click Here to learn how a vehicle wrap may be the best method of visibility for your business or organization. We also recommend doing your homework before choosing a sign company to wrap your vehicle. We recommend the 4 P's!

Click Here for a free quote on a vehicle wrap or other signage.