For those with the foresight and knowledge to invest in a wrapped vehicle, they will find that a vehicle wrap can’t be treated in the same way a car without a vehicle wrapped can. This is especially true when it comes to cleaning.
That’s why, in this blog, we will share all the key information you need to know when it comes to today’s topic, which is ‘How to clean a wrapped vehicle’.
The UK automotive after market industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
That’s why we at Car Specialist Customs are here to provide you with all the information you require to get the best car customisation possible, whilst being as informed as possible.
What is a vehicle wrap?
A vehicle wrap is an optional accessory for your vehicle. It is similar to a window or headlight tint. However, a vehicle wrap differs as it is made from different materials and offers different outcomes. Aside from aesthetic upgrades, here is what you can expect from a vehicle wrap.
- Protect your vehicle’s paintwork from being damaged by UV rays.
- Protect your vehicle’s paintwork from superficial scrapes and scratches.
- Can protect from stains.
- Can be a great way to market your product, if you also happen to be a business owner.
The three forms of vehicle wrapping
There are three kinds of vehicle wraps, all of which provide the same benefits, however, the main difference between the three is the aesthetic results granted by each kind of wrap.
- Clear Vinyl Wrapping – This is a transparent layer of wrapping, ideal for those who want the protection provided by wraps, but don’t want to change the look of their vehicle.
- Colour Vinyl Wrapping – This form can change the colour of your vehicle without painting it, or can be used to alter the tone of your vehicle.
- Advertising Wraps – This form of wrapping is unique, and is subject to the specifications of the customer. Handy for businesses that are independent or commercial. These wraps are commonly used on F1 cars or other racing vehicles.
How to clean a wrapped vehicle
Unless specified, a wrapped vehicle can’t be cleaned by conventional means, this includes taking them to some car washing facilities. This is mainly due in part to the vinyl that the wrap is made from, has sensitivities to certain chemicals present in the soaps and cleaning products used by car washes.
In addition to this, some jet-washers and bristled car cleaners (found in drive through car washes) are likely to damage the wrap as opposed to cleaning it
It is entirely possible to clean a wrapped vehicle. Here is how.
- The first and easiest method is to ensure that the car wash you attend uses cleaning products that are friendly to vehicle wraps, that’s all you need to do. If you clean your vehicle yourself, buying a cleaning product that is friendly to vehicle wraps is the key requirement.
- Hand washing the vehicle is the preferred option for vehicles with a wrap on it. You must firstly rinse off any dirt or grime with water. After this, use a wet sponge or cloth with a vinyl-friendly detergent to wipe the surfaces down. Finally, you need to wipe the wet surface with a dry cloth, and use a squeegee to remove excess liquid.
How often should a wrapped vehicle be cleaned?
Vehicle wrapped should be cleaned frequently, however this is dependent on where the vehicle is placed when not in use. Storing a vehicle in a garage overnight means it will need cleaning less than a vehicle that is outside on a driveway.
Essentially, you should clean your vehicle when you notice that it is dirty, this can take a week or a month, it entirely depends on where you’ve been, and if there are contaminants on the vehicle etc.
With vinyl wraps, however, any contaminants, such as bird faeces, should be cleaning immediately, as some chemicals within these contaminants can affect the quality of the wrapping itself.
Who can I go to for a vehicle wrap?
Going through an established vehicle modifier is the best way to get your vehicle wrapped. This is because their experience, along with the equipment they have on hand, leads to less room for any error.
Car Specialist Customs holds combined years of experience in wrapping vehicles of various shapes and sizes, Our wraps have a warranty for 3 years, ensuring quality and longevity.
So when we wrap your vehicle, we make sure to…
- Discuss what kind of wrap you want, and where you would like it.
- Measure the vehicle / relevant areas where the wrap will be applied.
- Clean the vehicle / relevant areas before applying
- Begin our process of application to your vehicle
- Inform you of any maintenance / dos and don’ts when it comes to the longevity of the wrap.
How much does it cost to wrap a vehicle?
The cost of our vehicle wraps are subject to the size of your vehicle, the style of wrapping you want, in addition to any specific areas you may want to wrap. (If it isn’t around the whole body of the vehicle).
Signs of a bad vehicle wrap
Although some vehicle wraps are negatively affected by the owner’s lack of maintenance, you can tell from the start whether a vehicle wrap has been done badly, here are the telltale signs.
- The vehicle wrap is peeling after application.
- The vehicle wrap lasts for a shorter amount of time in comparison to the manufacturer guarantee.
- The vehicle wrap is covering the wrong area or overlaps.
- The vehicle wrap has been stencilled incorrectly.
- Application of the wrap has resulted in damages on your vehicle that were not present before.
- The vehicle wrap becomes extremely dry and cracked.
- The vehicle hasn’t been cleaned properly before application.
Invest in a vehicle wrap today
Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Personalisation:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We will always go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope the details we shared have helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
We hope to have answered the question ‘How to clean a wrapped vehicle’ whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us right here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM—7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday to Sunday – 11 AM—7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk