When it comes to promoting your brand, you can’t beat vinyl car wraps! Wrapping company vehicles with your logo, slogan, and even contact information is a great way to get your brand out there without the effort and recurring costs of traditional advertising. The vinyl wrap allows you to turn your vehicle into a moving billboard that can leave a lasting impression with more potential customers than a freestanding billboard.
How Long Does a Vinyl Car Wrap Last?
In addition to the benefits to your business, vinyl car wraps act as a barrier that can protect your car’s original paint job from damage and wear for years. That said, you may be wondering exactly how long does a vinyl car wrap last? If cared for properly, vinyl car wraps can last for up to 7 years, dependent upon the vinyl brand, installation, and the wear and tear your car may go through.
How to Choose Your Vinyl Car Wrap
Choosing the right brand of vinyl is very important when decided to wrap your car. Popular brands like 3M and Avery claim their products will last up to 7 years, though it is only removable for up to 3 years after installation. The warranty period on 3M’s most popular vinyl, the 1080 Wrap Series, is 3 years for vertical surfaces. The warranty period for horizontal surfaces is about a year and a month. 3M also guarantees that the product itself will be free from defects until the time of application.
For Avery’s comparable SW900 Wrap Series, the company has release a chart to specify warranty length based on the regional area in which the car is located. For both companies, however, there is no warranty on vinyl applied to vehicles in harsh weather like California, Arizona, and Nevada. Abrasion and “loss of gloss” are not covered by either company’s warranties. Generally, people have started to notice a change in their vinyl car wrap’s color, shine, or feel after about 4-5 years.
Deciding Between a Professional Installation or DIY Vehicle Wrap
The installation of a vinyl car wrap plays a major part in the longevity of the material. Although it may seem tempting to save a few bucks with a DIY install project, a professional installer can ensure that your vinyl wrap will last for years to come. Mishaps like bubbles, creases, and dirt can cause the wrap to lift away from your car and peel early on.
All cars are not made the same. It makes sense that the same vinyl car wrap will last longer on a commuter vehicle than a rugged work truck. However, there are steps that you can take with both to extend the life of your vinyl car wrap. Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun will keep the wrap’s colors vibrant for longer and keep the vinyl’s adhesive from degrading too soon. Always try to park in the shade and, if possible, use a car cover. Protect your car from rough abrasions that can scratch and peel your vinyl car wrap. When going for a car wash, opt for a soft cloth or hand wash instead of going through the poking and prodding of automatic car washes.
A quality, professionally installed vinyl car wrap could last up to 7 years if cared for properly. At a fraction of the cost of a new paint job or outdoor advertising, your vinyl car wrap pays for itself within the first few months on the road!
