How Long Do Vinyl Wraps Last?

The great thing about vinyl wraps is that they are fully customizable, from their design and colour to their size and placement on your vehicle. 

With that said, their durability and lifespan can be extremely important from a business advertising perspective. However, this lifespan and durability vary greatly based on what type of wrap you choose, and how you take care of it in the following years.

Here is everything you need to know about the durability of vinyl wraps, and maintenance tips to increase your vinyl wrap’s longevity.

What is the Average Lifespan of a Vinyl Car Wrap?

Vinyl car wraps can last for as little as 2 years, and as many as 7 years.

Ultimately, this varies dramatically as it depends on a few factors, such as the quality of installation, how well the wrap is maintained and climate. 

If you are looking to get a vinyl car wrap in an area with harsh winters like Ottawa for example, maintaining your vinyl wrap is likely going to be a little more difficult. 

While colder or snow themselves don’t have a direct impact on the lifespan of vinyl wraps, the salt we use to melt them can be quite harmful. Since road salt is corrosive, leaving it on your vinyl wrap for extended periods is likely to cause irreversible damage. 

Provided that you get professionally installed vinyl wrap and properly maintain it, you can expect it to last anywhere from 3-7 years. 

Vinyl Wrap Maintenance: How to Prolong its Lifespan

When your vinyl wrap is a cosmetic investment or business expense, extending its lifespan is a great way to get the most value out of your investment. Keeping your vinyl wrap in great shape begins from the very start, and every little thing can make a big difference.

Getting a High-Quality Installation

Before you can maintain your wrap, ensure that you are getting a high-quality installation. Without top-quality from the start, it can feel impossible to try and maintain your wrap as you initially intended.

Be sure to also look out for manufacturer warranty to secure your investment. Vinyl wraps are often installed with complimentary warranty to ensure that no peels, bubbles or cracks appear in the first year. If you would like to extend your warranty, additional packages may be available.

Clean Your Vinyl Wrap Regularly

Now when it comes to proactive maintenance, our general recommendation is that you keep your vinyl wrap relatively clean at all times. Plus, if your vinyl wrap is dirty and used as a business advertisement, people won’t be able to read it!

Whenever you clean your vinyl wrap, be sure to avoid pressure washing and hard scrubbing as these can peel the soft edges of your wrap. Instead, use a soft rag, sponge or anything that is non-abrasive.

Use a Snow Brush, Not an Ice Scraper

Unless you have access to underground parking everywhere you go, snow can be a problem during the winter months. While snow and ice won’t damage your vinyl wrap, how you react to these elements can.

If your car is covered in snow or ice, use a scratch-free snow brush and your car’s defrosting feature. Ice scrapers can very easily damage the edges and surfaces of your warp.

Long-Lasting Vinyl Car Wraps in Ottawa

Whether it is to promote your brand on a company vehicle or to modify the appearance of your car without changing its original paint, vinyl wraps are the solution.

If you’re looking to get your car wrapped with vinyl, choose Ottawa’s five-star rated vinyl wrap & decal shop: The Wrap Factory.
Give us a call or send us a message and we’ll be in touch with you soon to talk about wrapping your vehicle.