One of the biggest assets you’ll ever own is your car – but cars unfortunately lose value fast. While you can try to keep your car in great condition over the years, the exterior of the car will eventually begin to age.
The best way to keep your car looking new? Get a vehicle wrap, which provides added protection and even increases vehicles’ value. Here are three things you need to know about vehicle wraps.
1. Vehicle Wraps Offer Customized Protection
A vehicle wrap is a customized vinyl wrapping that’s placed over the exterior of your vehicle. It’s like a big, protective sticker for your car. The wrap is applied over your vehicle’s current paint job and exterior, and cuts are then made over the windows, doors, windshields, and other parts of your car to make it just as accessible and functional as before.
Getting a vehicle wrap is a way to “repair” an aging car’s exterior, and it’s often a better option than getting a new paint job or buying a new car. When you have a vehicle wrap done, it’s professionally applied directly over the original paint job of the car, no modifications needed.
One of the main advantages of getting a vehicle wrap is you can make your car look any way you want it to look. Vehicle wraps are designed using a computer program, which gives you ultimate control. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, mattes, and finishes. A vehicle wrap can also be custom designed to include corporate logo or other image you want to have on your vehicle.
2. There Are Different Types of Vehicle Wraps
When you’re shopping for a vehicle wrap, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the most common options:
Full Vehicle Wrap
One of the most popular types of vehicle wraps is the full vehicle wrap. When you get a full vehicle wrap, you receive a wrap around the entire vehicle. The vehicle is covered entirely, except for the windows, mirrors, and doors of the vehicle. This type of vehicle wrap is ideal for anyone looking to cover their entire vehicle or achieve a consistent color or pattern throughout the vehicle.
Partial Vehicle Wrap
Another very popular option is a partial vehicle wrap. With a partial vehicle wrap, the wrap will cover a strategic part of the vehicle. People commonly use a vehicle wrap to cover the hood, roof, trunk, doors, or sides of the car. This type of vehicle wrap is ideal when you only want to cover a certain portion of the vehicle, which can let you be more creative and cover areas of damage or wear. Another advantage of a partial wrap is they’re more affordable than full wraps as they require less materials and labor.
Advertising Wraps and Graphics
The third type of car wrap you can consider is an advertising wrap with graphics. Car wraps are quickly becoming one of the most common forms of local advertising. When you have a car wrap used as an advertisement, you’ll be able to add a logo, business contact information, and other branding information. This can end up being a very affordable form of advertisement for your own business – and sometimes, if you volunteer to have your car wrapped with another company’s information, they may give you a small commission.
3. Vehicle Wraps Are Affordable
Of course, the most important factor in deciding whether or not to get a vehicle wrap is cost. Painting the exterior of an old car is pricey, and wrapping an entire vehicle takes equal effort. However, vehicle wraps are a surprisingly affordable solution.
The cost of a car wrap is based largely on the type of wrap you choose. The cost of a new standard full car wrap, Vinyl-Ink.com¹ reports, is typically around $2,000 to $3,000 – and that price includes installation. If you want a partial wrap, the cost can be as low as $500 depending on where the wrap is applied. There may be additional charges incurred if there are dents, scratches, or other issues with your vehicle that need to be repaired before the wrap is applied.
While the cost of a vehicle wrap can seem expensive, it’s more affordable and more convenient. In comparison, having your car repainted requires both more money and more labor. Before your car can be repainted, any signs of wear or damage, like rust or scratching, must be repaired. That prep work alone, according to Angie’s List², costs an average of $1,316. When it’s finally time for the paint to be applied, the job costs anywhere from $2,400 to $7,500, with an average price for drivers of about $5,000. That’s at least $2,000 more than a vehicle wrap’s most expensive price point.
Consider a Vehicle Wrap Today
Overall, getting a vehicle wrap can be a great option for car owners who’d like to improve the exterior of their vehicle. A wrap is often a preferred option because it gives you the ultimate flexibility and customization when you’re trying to improve the exterior of your vehicle. If you’re looking for a way to redesign your vehicle, provide the original paint job with some protection, or even improve its value, investing in a car wrap can be a great option to consider.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.
