Have you ever seen a car having a unique print or color or glossiness that does not even paint? Actually, that is a vinyl wrap on the car, which gives the car a great look. Car wraps are significantly more customizable and cost-effective than custom paint jobs. You can consider getting one for your car, but you may have a query, “how long does vinyl wrap last on a car?”
Vinyl wrap can last for 3-5 years on a car. That’s a pretty long time, and it surely pays for the money you have spent. However, the exact duration depends on many factors like Vinyl wrap quality, installation, and care, etc.
Let’s get to know more about Vinyl wrap and its duration.
How long does vinyl wrap last on a car?
The average lifespan of Vinyl wrap on a car is 3-5 years. In many cases, it can last for as long as 10 years. But that depends on many factors and aftercare of the wrap. The quality of the wrap and its installation will have a significant impact on its durability, but how you care for your wrap can also affect its longevity.
Mostly after around 3-5 years, the wrap will start to crack, fade and peel from the car’s body.
What factors affect the lifespan of Vinyl wrap on a car?
Let’s get to know about the factors that come into play in the lifespan of Vinyl car wrap:
1) Quality & Brand of Vinyl Warp
If you’re considering vinyl wrap to preserve your luxury vehicle, the best thing you can do is spend a bit more on a high-quality product from an industry leader.
The manufacturers of high-performance, top-tier vinyl wraps are typically more confident in the durability of their products compared to those of less expensive alternatives and therefore provide an extra guarantee period for their products.
2) Installation
In terms of the performance life of vinyl wrap, the installation can be just as significant as the brand. A skilled and professional installer will inspect the vinyl wrap for faults, such as bubbles or creases, that could cause it to peel off sooner than intended.
3) Temperature & Sun Exposure
If your vehicle spends a lot of time on the road and is exposed to a lot of sunlight, wraps will not last as long. In some cases, exposure to the sun and heat might cause the film’s adhesive to fail, resulting in the peeling of the wrap.
4) Wear & Tear
Vinyl wraps will protect your car’s paint from minor scratches and abrasions, but they are not as durable as paint protection film and will degrade over time. An additional layer of weather protection should be added for extra protection and prolonged life.
5) Water Pressure while Cleaning
Water pressure can rip apart the material. Everything between 800 and 2,000 psi can be damaging. So this is another factor that affects the longevity of vinyl wrap.
How to extend the Life Expectancy of a Car Vinyl Wrap?
The best approach to get the most out of your vehicle wrap investment is to take good care of it and keep it well-maintained. So here are some things you can follow to extend the Vinyl wrap’s life:
- Parking in a garage or shady area and maintaining a clean vehicle can reduce damage to the wrap and extend its life.
- Always use a soft fabric to clean or shine the automobile. A sponge can also be used. Even if there is a stain on the vehicle, you should not brush it too vigorously.
- No matter what you use to clean with, any product that contains strong chemicals may destroy your wrap. So avoid any strong chemicals.
- Using high-pressure water to clean can have negative consequences. Even if you’re paying attention to how much pressure is being exerted.
- Polish and wax are not recommended for usage on these types of wraps.
- Avoid attempting to mend bubbles yourself if you detect them. The best thing to do is to bring your car back where it was originally wrapped.
When should you replace a Vinyl wrap?
There will be a time when your car’s vinyl wrap will start to fade, chip and bubble up. That will happen after 3-5 years if you take proper care. So, then will be the right time to replace the wrap. It will also be cost-efficient.
However, if you want to change the color of the wrap or want to try any new design, then you can also replace the Vinyl wrap.
How much does it cost to vinyl wrap a car?
On average, the cost of Vinyl wrap ranges between $2500-5000. However, for a standard and best finish vinyl wrap, the cost can go upto $10,000 and even more as per customization.
The price for compact or coupe cars starts from $2000; the family sedan can be done starting from $3000, SUV at $4000, and the luxury cars start from $5000 to even $10,000 and more.
Bottom Line
This was all about Vinyl Wrap and how long does vinyl wrap last on a car. So if you are planning to get a Vinyl wrap, then it will be a good investment & will easily last upto 3-5 years and even more if you will take good care of the wrap. Moreover, the average price of Vinyl wrap is lower than the full car paint.
We hope this article was helpful & informative. Please leave your valuable thoughts & suggestions in the comments below!
Thank you for reading!