Fleet graphics are a fantastic investment in your business. They can reach up to 30,000 impressions per day and have a 97% message recall for viewers. Because fleet graphics are such a powerful marketing tool, you’ll want to make sure you get the most out of them. If cared for properly, vehicle wrap can last up to seven years, depending on your environment.
Eventually though, even the best quality fleet graphics will need an update. The vibrancy of your fleet graphics will eventually fade or crack. Because eye-popping colors and graphics are important to their effectiveness, you’ll want to do everything you can to minimize fade and postpone fleet graphic removal.
Why Do Fleet Graphics Fade?
Imagine that you get your newly vinyl wrapped vehicle back with fresh, vibrant graphics only to watch them rapidly fade over the next couple of years. That’s a frustrating experience! There are a few factors that can accelerate fading in fleet graphics but luckily, they’re easy to avoid.
Sunlight & Environment
The first factor that can accelerate fading is exposure to sunlight and harsh environmental elements. Sunlight can quickly bleach the vibrant colors that are critical for your brand. Not only can sunlight fade your graphics, they can make them more difficult to remove too. That’s why we highly recommend parking your vehicle in the shade, or ideally in a garage to reduce environmental exposure while your vehicle is off road.
It’s important to note that if you live in the sunbelt, your fleet graphics will be exposed to more sun than vehicles that operate in cloudier parts of the country. 3M estimates that in the sunniest places even well-maintained fleet graphics last up to 3 years, while the same material can last up to 7 years in less harsh conditions.
Poor Quality Materials
Sometimes fleet graphics fade due to material failure and/or a lack of lamination. Over lamination applied to vinyl graphics protects your investment from UV rays, acid rain, and road debris. The higher quality the vinyl graphics and lamination, the longer your fleet graphics will last.
Signature Graphics uses 3M materials that are known for their excellent print quality and durability. 3M is so confident that their products will stand up to wear-and-tear, they offer the best warranty in the business. When you wrap your fleet with 3M products, you’re getting excellent print quality, vivid graphics, and stellar warranty benefits.
How to Make Your Fleet Graphics Last
Fading is unavoidable, but there are things you can do to protect your fleet graphics from premature aging. Always park your vehicles in the shade or in a garage to prevent sun bleaching and exposure. Next, wash your fleet graphics regularly with a diluted, gentle detergent. We recommend washing your vehicle wrap every one-to-two weeks to remove bird droppings, road debris, or other contaminants.
With the right graphics partner and a little TLC, your fleet graphics will grow your business and wow passersby for years to come.
Contact Signature Graphics
Signature Graphics utilizes industry-leading processes and highest quality products to be a complete brand solutions provider for our clients. Whether you need fleet graphics for the first time, or a refresh for your existing fleet, we make the process seamless. Contact us to learn how we can help you with your fleet graphic needs.
We proudly use 3MTM graphic films and overlaminates.