Fleet graphics are more than just a standard billboard, they’re traveling billboards that work 24/7 to promote your business within your community. Clean, fresh vehicle wraps will send a message to your potential customers about your professionalism and reliability. Just like your fleet vehicles need routine mechanical maintenance to perform their best, your graphics will need the same kind of attention to stay looking sharp.
Whether you’re managing a handful of service vans or a nationwide fleet, proper maintenance of your vehicle graphics will ensure they last longer, look better, and continue to provide a return on your investment.
Why Vehicle Graphic Maintenance Matters
As time goes on, even the highest quality vehicle wraps can degrade without regular care. Dirt, grime, UV rays, and environmental elements can fade colors, crack vinyl, or lead to peeling edges. The benefits of maintaining your fleet graphics include:
- Preserving your brand image – clean, damage-free wraps show clients you care about details.
- Extending the life of your investment – with proper care, quality vehicle graphics can last 5 to 7 years!
- Preventing costly replacements – small issues that are caught early on can save you money in the long run.
Routine Vehicle Graphic Cleaning Tips
- Wash Often: Aim to wash your fleet at least every two weeks. If your vehicles are exposed to road salt, tree sap, or pollution, vehicles should be cleaned more often. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge when washing your vehicles. Be sure to avoid brushes, abrasive tools, or high-pressure washers, all of which can damage the vinyl.
- Hand Wash: Automatic cash washes with spinning brushes can lift the edges of your vinyl or even cause micro-tears. Hand washing ensures gentle and effective cleaning. If you end up using a pressure washer, it’s critical that you keep the pressure below 2,000 psi and ensure the nozzle is at least 12 inches away at a 45-degree angle.
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing the vehicle, it’s important to dry the graphics with a clean microfiber cloth. This will prevent water spots and reduce the chance of dirt sticking to residual moisture.
Prevent Damage to Your Vinyl Wraps and Conduct Minor Repairs
- Park Diligently: When possible, park in shaded or covered areas to reduce UV exposure. Excessive sun can cause fading and make the vinyl brittle over time. Parking away from trees will also keep your vehicle from being subjected to sap and bird droppings, both of which can stain if left unchecked.
- Address Stains Quickly: Stubborn contaminants like bug splatter, sap, or fuel spills should be removed immediately with isopropyl alcohol (we suggest performing a spot-test first), or a gentle wrap-specific cleaner. It’s important to never use harsh solvents or gasoline.
- Inspect Your Vehicles Often: We recommend doing monthly walkarounds – keep an eye out for lifting edges, bubbling vinyl, or small tears. Early intervention can prevent these issues from worsening. Thankfully, small edge lifts can often be re-adhered with heat and pressure. It’s best to contact a professional wrap installer for individual advice.
When to Replace Your Vehicle Graphics
Regular maintenance will help keep your vehicle graphics looking great over the years, however, even the best maintenance can’t prevent natural wear forever. Some signs that it’s time to replace your vehicle graphics include:
- Fading or discoloration that impacts your branding
- Cracks, peeling, or bubbling that impact appearance or readability
- Outdated branding or contact information
- Visible damage due to accidents or vandalism
If your fleet has inconsistent or aging graphics, we suggest a refresh across all vehicles to ensure a unified and polished look.
Your fleet is on display 24/7, which means it’s incredibly important that it’s making the right impression. By following a simple but consistent maintenance routine and regular check-ins, your vehicle graphics can stay vibrant and professional for many years to come. Our team at Colographic is here to help you get the most out of your fleet branding investment! If you need new graphics, touch-ups, replacements, or expert advice, we have you covered! Contact us for our expert advice today.
