How to wash a wrapped vehicle

As a rule, vinyl wrapped vehicles cannot be cleaned by traditional car washing methods. This is simply because high-grade vinyl wrap can, in some circumstances, react with the chemicals found in common soaps and other cleaning products. Similarly, as we will discuss below, the use of jet-washers and bristled car washes are also likely to damage or alter the appearance of the vinyl if used too often.

However, this doesn’t mean wrapped cars cannot be easily cleaned. The safest method of cleaning a wrapped car is to hand-wash it using vinyl-safe cleaning products and gentle applicators. This can be done in three simple steps:

• Using fresh water, rinse off any dirt or grime using a standard-pressure hose pipe. 
• Wipe down all external surfaces using a non-abrasive microfiber sponge or cloth and apply a vinyl-friendly cleaning detergent.
• Rinse down the entire car with a standard-pressure hose pipe, ensuring all surfaces are soap-free. Then use a squeegee to remove all excess fluid and, finally, dry all surfaces with a microfibre cloth.

Can a vehicle wrap be jet washed?

While jet washing can be carried out on vinyl wrapped cars, it’s not recommended. Jet washers are designed to make use of high water pressures to blast away dirt and grime quickly. Unfortunately, applying water at high pressure can also damage vinyl wraps. Indeed, if you’re standing too close to your car while jet washing, or are simply applying too much jet pressure, rips, holes and discoloration can occur. For this reason, hand washing is always recommended ahead of jet washing.

Should wrapped vehicles be parked outdoors?

Where you park and store a wrapped car can significantly impact the lifespan and appearance of the finish. With this in mind, you should store a wrapped car under cover where possible. Ideally, this should be a dry and sheltered location, such as a garage or carport. If this is not an option, then a car cover or tarpaulin should be used. This will help to protect the wrap from the elements. After all, repeated exposure to rain, cold and even UV rays can cause the colours of the wrap to fade and cracks to appear over time.

When you’re out and about, parking outside is often unavoidable. However, you can still extend the lifespan of your vinyl wrap by thinking carefully about where you park. For example, avoid parking beneath trees to prevent sap or bird droppings from falling onto your car. Also try to stay clear of roads that have recently been resurfaced. Grit thrown up by passing traffic can chip and damage your vinyl. 

How long does a vehicle wrap last?

This depends on the quality of materials used and the standard of application, but most vehicle wraps should last between five and seven years. After this time, cracks, peeling and discoloration become increasingly common. Of course, this lifespan can decrease if the wrap is poorly maintained following application. 

Car wrap maintenance: additional tips

Beyond washing and parking considerations, there are additional things to think about when it comes to caring for a wrapped vehicle. These include:

• Get damaged areas repaired ASAP

As with any issues you experience with a car, the sooner you sort it out, the better. If you notice a small chip, rip or tear in your vinyl wrap, get it fixed as soon as possible. If you ignore minor damage, it can soon turn into a bigger issue. Remember - spot fixes, or even panel replacements, are much cheaper than getting a full new wrap fitted. 

• Watch out for salt and grit

Although this also applies to cars with regular paintwork, it is especially important for owners of wrapped cars. Road salt - typically used to make roads safe in icy conditions - can quickly corrode vinyl if left to sit and build up on your car. This means more regular hand-washes might be required during the winter months. 

• Follow manufacturer's care instructions

This sounds obvious, but can be easily overlooked. In order to get the most from your wrap, it's crucial to adhere to the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Each type of wrap has specific recommendations for cleaning products, techniques, and maintenance routines. Following these instructions will not only help preserve the appearance of the wrap but also extend its lifespan. 

Here at Antalis, we offer a large range of vinyl films for customising cars at cost effective prices. To learn more about our range and for further expert advice, browse our site or get in touch with our visual communications team today.