Different weather conditions have a significant impact on a vinyl car wrap, as well as most things you’re thinking about wrapping. Whether it’s winter or summer, there are important things you need to do so that your wrapped vehicle maintains its form and lasts longer.
In this article, you’ll learn what to do to protect your car from snow and direct sunlight with helpful tips to make the graphics long-lasting.
Winter Proofing Vinyl Car Wraps
In wintertime, you should put extra effort to protect your vehicle vinyl wraps because the extreme cold can produce a tattered vinyl vehicle wrap.
Do’s and Don’ts
If you want to maintain a good business image on your fleet, follow these proper care practices including the do’s and don’ts when cleaning your wrap during winter:
- Don’t use a pressure washer. Instead, opt for a regular hand wash to avoid edge peeling, cracking, and fading.
- Do clean your vehicle wraps regularly. Spot cleaning your wrapped vehicle helps remove dirt and stain from tree sap, bug, bird droppings, or fuel spill.
- Do fix scratches and holes immediately. Small holes can develop into a bigger problem which may cause you to spend a little more to fix it. Get into the habit of taking in your vehicle wrap for a quick touch-up to avoid expensive repairs.
- Don’t use an ice scraper or pressure wash remove snow. Harder brushes and scrapers can scratch the wrap, so it’s better to use a soft cloth or soft sponge to eliminate the debris that is stuck on the vehicle wrap.
- Do wash off salt buildup on the wrap. During the snowy season, salt on the road is a common problem as it can corrode and dehydrate the wrap. A weekly car wash is enough to get rid of salt buildup.
Summer Protection Tips for Wrapped Vehicles
During hot weather, wrapped vehicles are more vulnerable to fading, wrinkling and warping due to extreme heat which also affects the adhesives and the entire wrap.
Do’s and Don’ts
For ultimate sun or UV protection for your vehicle wrap during the summer months, here are the do’s and don’ts to follow:
- Do park your wrapped car in a shady spot or shaded area. your garage should keep your car away from the sun or the hottest part of the house. UV rays may cause the wrap to fade while causing high temperatures on the vehicle’s surface.
- Don’t wash or rub the vehicle. On very hot days, avoid washing or rubbing your car; instead, let the temperature cool down before you spot clean or wash the vehicle. You can do it in the morning or evening when the weather is nice and cool.
- Do rinse the vinyl with cool water. Using cold water helps prevent rippling and wrinkling of the vinyl wrap while removing contaminants from the vehicle during summer.
- Do hand wash your vehicle regularly. Hand washing your vehicle during summer is a must, especially when it is often covered in dust and other pollutants. Instead of automatic car washes or pressure washing, opt for a brushless wash and non-abrasive detergent in order to avoid damage to the vehicle wrap.
It’s important to choose a high-quality vinyl type to protect your vehicle in the summer and winter months.
Cast vinyl is ideal if you’re in a place with often hot summers, while a special heat-resistant coating is another good choice for a longer-lasting vehicle wrapping.
Call A Specialist
Here at Precision Sign & Design, we regularly answer calls from past customers, and the general public about wrapping fleets, boats, food trucks and more. If you still have questions after reading this, or any of our recent articles, feel free to contact us anytime at (918) 430-1102.
