How to Keep Your Vehicle Wrap Looking Its Best

Part 6 of our Vehicle Graphics Series: Making Vehicle Branding Work for You

In Part 5, we looked at how good design makes your vehicle work harder for your brand. But what happens after the wrap is fitted? Like anything that works for a living, your vehicle graphics will last longer and look better if they’re looked after.

Keeping the fleet nice and clean

We’ve already covered the detail in our main post, Looking after your vehicle graphics. Think of this as the quick version, the everyday habits that make the biggest difference.

Start Right

When a new wrap’s just been fitted, give it a little time to settle before getting it wet. We usually recommend leaving it for around seven days before washing, so the adhesive can cure properly. After that, gentle hand-washing with a mild detergent is all it needs. Pressure washers and harsh cleaners might be quick, but they’re not kind to vinyl.

In the colder months, it’s also worth thinking about temperature. If your vehicle’s been wrapped during winter, try to keep it indoors for at least 48 hours before heading out in freezing conditions. That extra time helps the adhesive stabilise and avoids any lifting or brittleness caused by the cold.

Keep It Clean, Keep It Simple

Dirt, salt, and road film build up quickly, especially on working vehicles, and if left too long, they start to dull the surface. Regular, gentle cleaning is all that’s needed to keep the colours bright. You’ll find full cleaning guidance in our detailed post, but the rule of thumb is simple: little and often beats heavy scrubbing.

Snow foam and sponge to clean the wrap on the MOBAD van

A Bit of Sun and Wear Is Normal

Even with the best materials and maintenance, wraps aren’t immune to weather. Bonnets and roofs tend to fade a little faster than the sides because they catch more sun and rainfall. That’s completely normal for any vehicle that earns its keep.

Your graphics are there to work, not sit in a showroom. They’ll still look great for years if cared for properly but it’s okay if they pick up a bit of honest wear along the way. Ours certainly has; after putting around 30,000 miles on it over the past year, even we’re seeing a few signs of hard use. That’s exactly what good branding should do; get out there and be seen!

Simple infills and vinyl graphics for Vortex

Final Thoughts – It’s About What Works for You

Not every vehicle needs a full wrap. What matters most is finding the right balance between visibility, design, and value, something that works for your business, not just in theory.

For some, that’s a bold full wrap across an entire fleet. For others, it’s a clever half wrap that complements the vehicle colour. And sometimes, all that’s needed are well-placed printed sections to tie the look together.

We ask the right questions before we start, how the vehicle’s used, where it’s seen, and what kind of message you want it to send. Marketing isn’t just for the big names; it’s just as important for small businesses too.

If you’d like to chat through the options, see examples of what’s possible, or find out what might work best for your vehicle, we’re happy to help. You can browse our case studies for inspiration, or get in touch to talk it through, no hard sell, just honest advice.