Vehicle wraps are an excellent way of customizing the look of your car, advertising a company, or maintaining your original paint job. However, with that being said, now that your car is wrapped, you might wonder: Can I put it through a car wash? In short, the answer is yes, but there are tips to help you get the best results with the least amount of risk. Therefore, below we’ll show some simple options and ideas to implement to wash your car the right way.
Touchless Car Washes Are Safe
If you do opt to have an automatic car wash, the safest option is a touchless wash. These are high-pressure water and soap washes without the use of brushing or spinning cloths. Since nothing touches the wrap, minimal damage can be done, and it’s a safe and ideal option for wrapped vehicles.
Avoid Brush or Soft-Cloth Car Washes
While soft-cloth and brush car washes are common, they’re not ideal for vinyl wraps. The spinning brushes and cloths can catch on the edges of your wrap, causing it to peel, scratch, or wear prematurely. If you’re driving a wrapped car, it’s best to steer clear of these types of washes, even if they’re labeled as “gentle.”
Hand Washing Is the Best Option
For best performance and the longest life of your wrap, hand washing is ideal. Wash your vehicle gently using a soft sponge, microfiber cloth, and non-abrasive soap. Avoid using high-pressure nozzles up close, and never use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. Hand washing not only saves the vinyl but also allows you to inspect your wrap for raised edges or wear.
Don’t Forget to Dry
After washing your wrapped car, drying it properly is essential. Apply a clean microfiber towel to the vehicle’s surface until dry. Avoid water spots or leaving the wrap to air dry, as this can cause mineral deposits or streaks, particularly on matte or satin style finishes.
Check for Damage or Lifting Edges
No matter how you clean your car, keep an eye on the wrap itself. If you notice corners peeling up or bubbling after washing, don’t carry on washing and instead have it checked out by a professional fitter. Temporary fixes will prevent larger issues in the future.
Get In Touch With a Vinyl Wrap Expert
Our team is here to help you throughout the entire process of your vehicle’s wrap. We want to help protect your wrap even when you leave our shop. That’s why we help spread wonderful tips like this. For more wrap information and more on the services we offer, feel free to reach out to one of our members today.
