Vinyl car wraps provide a barrier of protection that will keep your vehicle’s original paint job pristine for years. How many? The expected performance life of a quality vinyl wrap is between 5 and 7 years if properly maintained. “Performance life” refers to the length of time the wrap will look good and stay adhered to your vehicle. This means your car will have a barrier of protection for the better part of a decade after installation. Of course, there are some factors that can affect the lifespan of the vinyl wrap installed on your car.

Here’s a closer look at some of these factors that can affect the performance life of a vinyl wrap.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE LIFESPAN OF A VINYL CAR WRAP

Although vinyl car wraps are generally expected to last 7 years on average, there are some factors at play that can move the needle in either direction. In other words, a vinyl wrap might last longer or shorter than the industry average based on a number of factors, most of which are in your control. The factors that can influence a vinyl wrap’s performance life include:

• Brand – As with anything else, you get what you pay for when it comes to vinyl car wraps. High-performance, top-tier vinyl wraps often carry much longer manufacturer warranties because the makers are confident in the lifespan of their product compared to cheaper options. If you’re thinking about vinyl wrap to protect your luxury vehicle, spending a bit more on a quality product from 3M or similar leading brands is the best thing you can do for your ride.
• Installation – Where you have vinyl wrap installed can be just as important as the brand in terms of the wrap’s performance life. An experienced and professional installer will make sure there are no flaws with the vinyl wrap, such as bubbles or creases, that might cause the wrap to come up sooner than expected. In addition to a longer lifespan, a professional installation will also look much better than a vinyl wrap that’s sloppily thrown on your car by inexperienced amateurs using the wrong tools and techniques.
• Wear and Tear – Although vinyl wraps will protect your car’s paint from sun damage and mild scratches and abrasions, it’s not designed the same as paint protection film and can become degraded by prolonged wear and tear. Exposure to sun and heat, for example, can sometimes cause the film’s adhesive to degrade and as a result cause the wrap to start peeling. If you’re looking into vinyl wraps to change the color of your car or make it stand out with some custom graphics, consider installing paint protection film over the vinyl wrap to add an additional barrier of protection against the elements.

MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT VINYL WRAPS?

Vinyl wraps are becoming more popular among automotive enthusiasts, but they’re still relatively new to the casual driver. If you’re thinking about having a vinyl wrap installed on your ride, you might have more questions than just how long wraps last. Fortunately, the experts here at Auto Super Shield have answers. Contact us online or call 561-475-5082 to learn more.

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