There is no rule of thumb when it comes to the average lifespan of a car wrap. It really comes down to what type of vinyl you choose, what the outdoor elements are where you live, and if you park in a garage or outside. So, let’s talk about those factors as they pertain to your car wrap’s estimated longevity.
There are two types of vinyl used for wrapping vehicles—cast, which is the high-end, longer-lasting vinyl, and then there’s polymeric calendared vinyl. The latter’s initials are PC, and yes, it’s PC to go with this type of vinyl. It’s less expensive, but just know that it won’t last as long as cast vinyl will.
Weather also determines how long your car wrap will last. Elements like excessive heat, rain, and sand will play a consequential role in how long you can expect your wrap to hang in there. Understand that a wrap will last longer if you live in San Diego as opposed to cities like Buffalo or Phoenix, where temperatures are extreme.
Depending on whether you park in a garage or outside where the elements take a consistent toll on your vehicle will drastically increase or reduce the lifespan of your wrap. Ideally, your car will live in a garage, or at least parked where weather can’t attack it, which will add years to the life of your wrap.
When it’s all said and done, you can expect a vehicle’s wrap to last you up to seven years or so. The type of vinyl you decide to purchase and doing what you can as far as where you park are really the only things that are in your control.
