You want to update the look of your vehicle but cannot afford a new paint job or are afraid new paint will void your vehicle's warranty. A vinyl vehicle wrap can help you update your car without impacting your warranty at a fraction of the price of new paint. Additionally, your vinyl wrap will protect your vehicle's paint and can be removed at any time.

If you are considering wrapping your car or have recently had a vinyl wrap installed on your vehicle, here are a few dos and don'ts to keep in mind.

Do Know How to Wash Your Wrapped Car Properly

Washing your vehicle on a regular basis helps protect the vinyl wrap from damage and fading. Here are a few simple steps to help you properly clean your vinyl wrapped vehicle:

• Purchase the right products. Find a product that is formulated for use on vinyl wrap. Otherwise use a mild car shampoo. You will also need microfiber cloths, a bucket, and your garden hose.
• Wash from the top down. Using a microfiber cloth and the mild car shampoo, clean your car from the roof down. Allow the dirt and debris to wash down the sides of the car. Carefully rinse off the soap with your garden hose.
• Allow your vehicle to air dry. Never use heat to dry the car and instead, use a microfiber cloth or allow your vehicle to air dry in a cool, shady spot.

Test the vehicle shampoo on a small spot before applying it to the entire vehicle. Only proceed if the car shampoo does not damage the vinyl.

Don't Go Through the Wrong Car Wash

If you don't have time to hand wash your vehicle, look for a touchless car wash. A touchless wash uses water jets rather than brushes to eliminate dirt and debris. Also, avoid using power washers on your vehicle, unless advised by a professional. The power washer is typically too strong and can cause damage and peeling.

Do Learn How to Extend the Life and Look of Your Vinyl Wrap

Finally, in addition to regularly washing your car by hand, there are several simple things you can do to extend the life of your vinyl car wrap. For example, avoid allowing corrosive substances, such as gasoline, in contact with your vinyl wrap. If you do accidentally spill gasoline or another corrosive substance on the vehicle, wipe it off immediately with a soft cloth.

Avoid parking your vinyl wrapped vehicle in the sun and instead, try to always park your vehicle in a garage or shady spot.

From washing your vehicle with the right products by hand to parking in the ideal spot, there are several dos and don'ts to keep in mind to help you care for your vinyl wrapped vehicle. 

For more information on custom car wraps, reach out to an auto paint service.