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HOW LONG DO VEHICLE WRAPS LAST?

Certified Install Wraps • August 9, 2023

Vehicle wraps are a popular trend, they are a way to customize your car, race car, truck, van, boat, trailer, food truck, or fleet vehicle with a unique design, color, or logo. They are also a great way to advertise your business or brand on the road. But how long can you expect your vehicle wrap to look good and stay on your vehicle?


Vinyl car wraps typically last 5-7 years, but after that, the car wrap may start to lose its color, quality, or appearance. You may need to replace your wrap with a new one when this occurs if it is still something you want on your vehicle. 


The vinyl car wrap industry uses standard materials from 3M, a company renowned for its high quality, ensuring your vinyl car wrap is long-lasting. In fact, applying a vinyl car wrap to your vehicle can protect your original factory paint job from losing value due to minor scrapes and scratches and helps maintain your vehicle’s quality. 

Van Wrap Installed Near Charlotte, NC

Some Helpful Tips For a Longer Lasting Vehicle Wrap

Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure

While the sun can’t be avoided entirely, making decisions to park your vehicle in a shaded spot or even in a garage will help give your vehicle wrap the longest lifespan. The 3M material is built to withstand the sun, but avoid leaving your vehicle wrap parked in the sun all day.


  • While the sun can’t be avoided entirely, making decisions to park your vehicle in a shaded spot or even in a garage will help give your vehicle wrap the longest lifespan. The 3M material is built to withstand the sun, but avoid leaving your vehicle wrap parked in the sun all day.

Proper Care

It is important to take proper care of your vehicle's vinyl wrap by handwashing it with a gentle solvent and soft cloth. You should avoid a car wash due to the high-pressure water. Your professional wrap installer will give you instructions on how to care for your wrap after installation and should be followed if you want your wrap to last.


  • The best way to extend the life of your vehicle wrap is to wash your vehicle at least twice a month. 
  • Always use a soft sponge or cloth. 
  • Always use a high-quality soap (they do sell soap specifically for Car Wraps)
  • If you do need to use a pressure washer, try to set the pressure to low.
  • Use a low water temperature. Warm is fine, but avoid very hot water. 
  • When using a pressure washer on a vehicle wrap, stand at a distance and use a sweeping motion.

Professional Installation

It is a smart choice to have a vehicle wrap installed by a professional, rather than yourself. You want to be sure the professional uses a high-quality vinyl such as 3M material and has experience installing vinyl wraps.



Interested in getting a vehicle wrap for your car, race car, truck, van, boat, box truck, trailer, food truck, or fleet vehicle, contact Certified Install Wraps, today and we will help you create a design to show off on the streets of Charlotte, NC. We are a certified 3M installer with years of experience and expertise in vehicle wraps. We offer a 1-year warranty on our work and guarantee satisfaction. Don't wait, get your vehicle wrapped today and make a lasting impression.

Have Questions About Your Vehicle Wrap Project?

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