Congratulations on investing in a vehicle wrap! Whether you’re using it for mobile advertising, brand recognition, or promotional campaigns, maintaining its pristine appearance is crucial for longevity and effectiveness. Here’s a comprehensive list of vehicle maintenance tips to help you keep your investment in top condition:
Pre-Installation Preparations:
- Surface Condition: Ensure your vehicle’s surface is in optimal condition. Any imperfections might compromise the installation and the wrap’s longevity.
- Cleaning: Wash your vehicle thoroughly with a non-abrasive detergent. Pay attention to areas prone to dirt buildup.
- Temperature Control: Installation should occur in a controlled environment to guarantee proper vinyl adhesion.
During Installation:
- Alignment: Understand that slight variances in graphic alignment are standard. Images aligning within 1/8” are considered within commercial standards.
- Shrinkage: Expect some vinyl shrinkage, particularly around compound curves. Peeling edges exceeding 1/4” should be addressed promptly.
Post-Installation Care:
- Washing: Use a wet, nonabrasive detergent specifically formulated for automobiles to hand wash your vehicle whenever it appears dirty. Never use a power washer or automated/drive-thru car washing system.
- Cleaning Solutions: Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire vehicle.
- Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with clear water and remove excess water immediately using a microfiber cloth.
- Avoidance: Avoid automatic car washes and power washers, as they may damage the graphics.
- Spot Cleaning: Spot clean contaminants like bird droppings or tar promptly to prevent damage.
- Avoid Waxing: Waxing the vehicle can harm the graphics and void the warranty.
- Fuel Spills: Clean fuel spills immediately to prevent damage to the vinyl and adhesive.
Maintenance Tips:
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your vehicle wrap for any signs of damage or peeling.
- Prompt Repairs: Address any issues such as peeling edges or large bubbles promptly to prevent further damage.
- Professional Assistance: If in doubt, seek professional assistance for repairs or maintenance and your vehicle wrap.
Understanding Warranty:
- Warranty Coverage: Familiarize yourself with the warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer and installer.
- Duration: Different components of the wrap may have varying warranty periods.
- Proper Care: Warranty coverage is contingent upon proper care and maintenance of the vehicle wrap.
Vehicle Wrap Replacement:
- Frequency: How often you need to replace your vehicle wrap greatly depends on which materials are used in printing and installing your product as well as your continued maintenance, weather in your region, and type of use for your vehicle.
- Premium Vinyl: Bear in mind that using a premium vinyl product now will save you on removal costs later. Better vinyl removes more completely and easily in the future.
- Plan for Removal: You may be tempted to try to make your vinyl wrap last as long as possible, but once you begin to see significant color fading or cracking of the material around curves and edges, you should begin planning for replacement or removal. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of increased cost for the removal and also more wear and tear on your vehicle’s paint job.
By following these maintenance guidelines diligently, you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle wrap and ensure it continues to make a lasting impression. Remember, investing time and effort in maintenance now can save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future. Happy wrapping!
