Winter weather can cause damage to a vehicle wrap if it’s not properly maintained. Just as we winterize our irrigation systems, let our faucets drip on freezing nights, and bring out the warmer blankets for our beds, we need to take care of our vehicles when the temperature drops.
By following some simple care and maintenance tips, you can protect your vehicle wrap in winter weather. Vehicle wraps are an investment and, with the proper attention, will survive the winter weather without any problems. Typically, cold temperatures, snow, and ice will not harm your wrap. The damage can come from the salt and solutions used to treat the roads if the build-up is not removed in a timely manner.
Here are some tips to help you properly care for your wrap this winter:
- Use a gentle broom or soft cloth to remove snow and ice. Ice scrapers and snow shovels can (and will!) damage and scratch the vinyl material if they are used to remove snow, ice, or salt.
- Stick to the window defroster to remove snow or ice from solid vinyl or perforated vinyl on windows. Never use an ice scraper.
- Remove road salt from the vehicle as quickly as possible. Salt build-up can be corrosive to vinyl and paint. The best way to clean the vehicle is by hand washing it. If that’s not possible, run it through a touchless or brushless automatic car wash, but skip the wax option. Gently dry the vehicle with a microfiber cloth.
- Clean the undercarriage and wheel wells of the vehicle to make sure all salt is removed. If the salt is not removed, rust will develop in those areas. Vinyl will not adhere to rust, which could pose a problem in the future for your wrap.
These helpful tips will protect your wrap during the winter months and prolong the life of your vehicle. If you have questions about how to care for your wrap, please contact us at (615) 595-6564 or send us an email. We understand the value of vehicle wraps and want them looking as good as new!