SIGNS & MORE, INC. BLOG - Sign, Banner & Vehicle Graphics Facts & Information

I LOVE a clean car.  There is just something about having a freshly washed and vacuumed car that gives me a lift.  The car just “looks” better to me and it certainly smells better….with or without that deodorizer that you can get!  It even seems to drive better.  I love to treat my car to one of the “people wash” car washes a few times a year.  It’s one of those little luxuries that I like to indulge.   I do an automatic car wash for those quick emergencies when I don’t have time to wash the car myself.

Courtesy Car Wraps for Auto Center

So – when we wrapped our business vehicles, I wondered…. “Can I take this through the car wash now?”   I did some research and found some interesting facts. 

Strong jets in an automatic car wash with the water pointed at seams could cause them to lift, causing unsightly gaps or rips in your wrap.  Most automatic car washes have brushes with harsh bristles, which can scratch and tear at the vinyl wrap even with the “clearcoat” laminate protection.  Even if you make it through the car wash without any damage that is immediately apparent, automatic car washes tend to shorten the overall life span of a vehicle wrap.

Cici's Pizza Wrap

Our top recommendation is hand washing your vehicle with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and non-abrasive soap. Try not to spray the vehicle with the full force of a hose nozzle too close, as too much pressure in certain areas might cause the same problems as an automatic car wash. Don't forget to dry the vehicle with a soft cloth as well.

Kia Borrego Wrap (white vehicle)

We have found with our own wraps, that our vehicles don’t hold the dirt as much as a non-wrapped one.  Washing them is easier and less time consuming.   We also don’t need to wash them as often it seems.

If you wax your car, use a wax that is recommended for vinyl.  Turtle Wax Ice seems to work without hurting the wrap.

Scion xB Wrap

You can take your vehicle wrap to be washed by hand at a specialized car wash, just make sure that the technicians know to be cautious with your wrap.   The places that we use have been very helpful to us and mindful of our request. 

Call Signs & More (770-383-8808) to get your VEHICLE WRAPPED TODAY!