Business owners like getting a wrap with a business logo installed to their fleets. The question is raised here: what is the lifespan of the wrap on a truck? After how much time do you need to change the truck vinyl wrap? If you do proper care, truck wraps can last longer. However, some factors including professional vinyl wrap installation contribute to reducing the lifespan of PPF on your truck.
Factors affecting the lifespan of the wrap in a truck
It is impossible to determine the exact age of a truck vinyl wrap. In several cases, a high-quality wrap may remain in good form for two to seven years.
A wrap on a truck lasts for five years on average, depending on several factors, including weather, quality of the wrap, and maintenance level. Let’s discuss these factors in detail:
Quality of the vinyl wrap
High-quality wrap lasts longer. For instance, some car wraps come with the warranties. These wraps are more cost-effective than others. Proper maintenance can increase their lifespan.
Auto Boss professionals offer installation by using the finest quality vinyl wraps for partial or full truck wraps. The initial cost for a truck wrap and its installation is higher. But it can cause a huge difference in the life of the wrap.
Climate
The regional climate in which the car is used also plays a role in determining the lifespan of the truck vinyl wrap. Generally, vehicle wraps used in harsh weather have a lower life expectancy than moderate ones.
Harsh weather conditions can cause damage to your truck’s vinyl wrap. It can result in early fading and peeling. For example, in winter, road salts affect the wrap like they affect your car paint. However, in moderate weather, the vehicle wrap is not affected much.
Sun exposure
Exposure to direct sunlight increases the chances of fading, wear, tear, and peeling off. The UV radiation and heat can reduce the life of the truck wrap.
For example, business trucks or fleets face more sun exposure than personal cars. Hence, the chances of getting the vinyl wrap color fading increases.
Park under the shade: You can slow down the process of discoloration by parking your vehicle under the shade. Parking in a garage or under a shade can increase the lifespan of PPF by up to three years.
Remember! Don’t park your car under the trees; it may receive tree sap or bird droppings.
UV Resistant wraps: UV protection films can also improve the wrap life on a truck, especially in hot weather. The film prevents vinyl adhesives and colors from fading, deteriorating, and cracking. If the area of your residence has harsh summers, we suggest you get UV-resistant wrap on a truck. UV-resistant wrapping film is a cost-effective solution for customized vehicles.
These films can remain vibrant even in intense or varying weather. Hence, it is a practical choice for business trucks or fleets.
Related Article: How do you calculate a full body car wrap cost?
Installation methods
Vinyl wrap installation methods also affect the lifespan of the wrap. Auto Boss experts suggest getting the installation done by professionals. Choose a professional that ensures smooth finishes.
Professional installation ensures vehicle wrap sticks to the vehicle body without imperfections. A professional installation maintains uniformity across the wrap color if your truck is wrapped in one color. However, the installer should know about the contrasts if you want to install a logo-printed wrap.
Tips to extend the lifespan of wrap on a truck
When you have the wrap on a truck, there can be a lot of reasons to affect the life of the wrap. You can improve the life of your truck wrap by using these tips:
Regular maintenance
When you invest your effort and time in a regular car and maintenance of the wrapped fleets, it can improve the life of it. We suggest using hand washing, the bucket method, rather than pressure washing. Avoid using a brush wash or machine, as it can tear your wrap off.
High-quality wax
Regularly applying premium quality wax on the wrapped truck helps maintain the vinyl wrap’s shine. However, avoid using waxes with abrasive or harsh chemicals. Wax containing harsh chemicals can affect the durability of the wraps.
Gentle cleaning
Auto Boss experts suggest using mild, wrap-specific chemicals or cleaners with a sponge or microfiber mitt. Harsh or high pH cleaners can damage the wrapped vehicles.
Proper washing
Excessive washing with harsh chemicals may reduce the life expectancy of the vehicle wrap. If you are getting pressure washing regularly, it can lead to tearing in vinyl wrap. Although pressure washing can remove dirt from the car’s surface, it can decrease the lifespan of the wrap.
Auto Boss experts suggest not to use pressure wash for cleaning your vehicle. It is better to keep your vehicle clean rather than wipe the whole vehicle with a damp cloth after some days. Hand car wash helps maintain the life of the truck wrap.
If you have wrap on a truck, we don’t recommend getting pressure washed regularly. You can get a hand wash for your business fleet.
UV protection
Consider using films or coating that have UV-resistant properties. These films protect your wrap from damaging or wearing off.
Non-abrasive cleaning products
Avoid scrubbing your vehicle with abrasive cleaning products to remove grime, dirt, or other elements. Abrasive cleaners can compromise the life of your truck wrap. It can cause fading or discoloration and even peeling off.
Professional inspection and prompt repairs
When you take your business fleet for a professional inspection, they can identify signs of wrap damages. An early identification of the problems can help you save the larger problems. If you leave small imperfections unattended, they will be turned into larger ones.
Auto Boss experts not only identify the imperfections but address them promptly. We aim to save you from costly repairs.
Conclusion
Installing the wrap on a truck is an affordable, practical, protective option to promote your business. Although truck wrap costs may initially be higher, it helps you save on maintenance and other costs.
Auto Boss is a professional truck wrap installer that provides cool truck wrap designs at affordable costs.
FAQs
Are there some disadvantages of car wrap?
Car wraps only have a few disadvantages, such as:
- It is temporary, and you will require its replacement after a few years.
- Harsh weather, road debris, improper installation, and the wrong washing method can tear it away.
- Certain colors are more expensive than paint.
Is car wrap cost-effective?
Yes! Car wrapping is more cost-effective than repainting your vehicle. Wrapping your vehicle requires less time and labor as compared to painting.
Is DIY truck wrapping possible?
Yes! DIY truck wrapping is possible, but it requires some tools, a clean space, and the patience of the installer.
What is a car wrap?
A car wrap is a decal or a large vinyl graphic applied to the original car paint.