How long will a wrap last on a car?

When a car is professionally wrapped, using high quality materials, it should last between 3 to 5 years. 

The quality of the wrap plays a big role in how long it will last on your car, as well as other factors, such as where you drive your car (off-road, country roads and so on), sun exposure, climate and frequency of washing. 

All of these factors can cause the vinyl to lose its overall finish, causing the colour below to seep through. 

Do car wraps come off easily?

Yes, if your car has been wrapped with a high-quality vinyl, then the removal process should be extremely easy. 

A heat gun is used to remove the vinyl wrap, while it is pulled back slowly in a 45 degree motion so that the paint and surface below is not damaged. 

Pros and cons of wrapping a vehicle

There are a lot of benefits, and potential drawbacks, of wrapping your car:

Personalised appearance 

With a huge amount of different colours and designs on the market, you will easily be able to find a vinyl wrap to match your aesthetic. 

Whether it’s a fully body wrap or just a slight change to the wheels, car wrapping gives you the freedom to have a car unique to you. 

Protects paintwork beneath 

Vinyl wrap acts as a protective layer against small chips and scratches from stones and other debris on the road. 

If you’d like to sell your vehicle in the future in its original condition, using vinyl wrap to protect the paint will help to preserve the car's resale value and avoid having to pay out for any minor damage.

Dramatic colour changes 

While wrapping your car with a coloured vinyl would initially look great, there will be an eventual colour change when the wrap is damaged from scuffs and scratches. 

As the wrap goes through more damage, the colour beneath will begin to seep through, which in turn will damage the vinyl's overall finish. 

Legalities 

If you’re planning to do a full body wrap of your car; for example, changing the colour from blue to red, you will need to inform your insurance company and the DVLA. 

This can be a long winded process, especially if you’re only looking to wrap your car for a short period of time. It’s worth checking online before investing your money into a full exterior wrap. 

How much does it cost to wrap your car?

A typical car wrap can cost anywhere between £1,500 to £5,000, but this will depend on the complexity of the project and individual wrap shop pricing. In most cases, for a good car wrap, you could expect to pay somewhere in the middle of these prices. 

If your car wrapping budget is on the lower side, prices can usually be kept lower by leaving out door handles, mirrors and even bumpers.

Is it better to wrap or paint a car?

If you’re looking for a quick turnaround, wraps win over paint. Paint jobs require prep time, as well as the actual application and drying time. This could take up to a week, depending on the size of your car, whereas wrapping your car may only take a day or so. 

However, when cared for properly, a wrap will typically last for around 5 years, while a good paint job can last for decades if cared for properly. 

Although you won’t have to care for your car in the same way you would with paint, using too harsh of equipment or cleaners can damage the vinyl. In addition, constantly having your vehicle outdoors will eventually result in UV rays fading and degrading the wrap. 

When choosing between wrapping or painting your car, you really need to consider how long you plan on keeping your car that colour or pattern. If you know you only want to change the colour of your vehicle for a short period of time, wrapping is the ideal solution. 

Vehicle wrapping by Wheel Gods

At Wheel Gods, our team prides itself on delivering custom and personalised projects. Most colour changes can take up to a few days to complete, depending on the complexity of the project.

Keeping up with the latest trends and car designs is crucial, which is why our team specialise in vehicle wrapping, meaning you’ll benefit from unparalleled expertise. 

If you want to make a change to the appearance of your vehicle through vinyl wrapping, contact us today to find out more.