After the Wrap: Care Tips for Wrapped Vehicles

How to Get the Most From Your Vehicle Wrap Investment

When you wrap your car, delivery truck or service fleet with a logo or distinctive graphic, you put your business on the road to growth. Thousands of consumers view your custom vehicle wrap traveling down the highway, stopping at busy shopping centers or parking along residential streets. This exposure happens day after day, as long as the custom vehicle wraps hold up (usually five to seven years). Vehicle wraps are also a cost-effective way to capture impressions and build brand identity. According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), a wrapped vehicle delivers between 30 and 70 thousand advertisement impressions each day.

Preserving your car or truck wrap keeps your business image on the road while maximizing your investment return. Performance Signs, a Charlottesville vehicle wrap leader since 1996, offers these quick tips to protect image quality and maximize return on investment.

Tip #1: Protect Horizontal Surfaces

A custom wrap can cover the entire vehicle surface, including windows, but these surfaces don’t always wear uniformly. Horizontal surfaces—car hoods, trunks and vehicle roofs—receive more exposure to UV rays than other parts of the vehicle wrap. Ultraviolet light degrades wrap films, and continuous exposure can lead to premature cracking and fading. Whenever possible, protect horizontal surfaces from UV damage by taking these precautions:

• Limit exposure to direct sunlight by parking in a garage or under an awning.
• Ensure even sunlight exposure by rotating your parking position each day.
• Cover or shade the vehicle with a cloth car cover when parking in open spaces for prolonged periods.

Although horizontal surfaces receive more UV exposure and degrade more quickly, 3M and other film manufacturers base vehicle wrap warranties on vertical surface wear times. Mitigating the risk of UV exposure on horizontal surfaces protects your warranty and maintains your wrap value.

Tip #2: Steer Clear of These Problems

Neglect and harsh handling shorten the lifespan of your vehicle wrap. For a vibrant wrap that lasts until it’s time to rebrand or refresh your image, avoid these no-nos:

• Car washes with brushes
• High-pressure washing (above 2000 psi)
• Abrasive polishes
• Rigorous scrubbing
• Wax & polish on matte surfaces

Formula for a Long-Lasting Vehicle Wrap: 3M Quality & Performance Signs Service

Performance Signs wraps your car, truck or fleet of vans with innovative 3M films in our dedicated vehicle-wrap bay—away from contaminants and out of the elements. Then, we teach you the fine points of caring for your vehicles. Our quality products, expert installation and comprehensive customer education ensure your vehicle wrap will provide years of attention-grabbing service.

Satisfied customers in Charlottesville and Ruckersville, VA look to Performance Signs year after year for coordinated custom vehicle wraps, eye-catching signage, and customer service that wows our customers! Learn how Performance Signs can elevate your business image and drive growth. Check out our online gallery and schedule a consultation to discuss your Charlottesville vehicle wrap needs.