Maintaining Your Vehicle Lettering in Winter

Yes, winter is coming.

But let’s not see it as a bad thing! Winter means cozy cabins, pajamas, winter sports, and beautiful snow.

That said, this wonderful season can have some negative effects on your vehicle lettering.

Luckily for you, the experts (that’s us) are here to help.

Here’s the ultimate guide to keeping your vehicle lettering in great shape for years to come.

1. Avoid using abrasive snow brushes on vinyl

Remember that high-pitched sound chalk made when a teacher angled it just right on the board? Yeah… using a scraper or abrasive snow brush on vinyl is pretty much the same thing—minus the awful noise.

Most snow brushes have rough bristles that can scratch your lettering. You might not notice it right away, but when the snow melts and it’s time for a spring wash, you could be in for a surprise.

Use softer brushes to remove snow and keep your vinyl looking clean and scratch-free.

2. Remove salt as often as possible

Salt is great on your steak.

On your vinyl? Not so much.

Widely used to de-ice roads, parking lots, and driveways, salt and other chemicals can damage your vehicle’s vinyl. When left on too long, it builds up and may corrode the wrap.

To minimize damage, clean your vehicle regularly—ideally once a week. Plus, a clean vehicle and lettering reflect a strong, professional image for your business.

Thinking about lettering your vehicle?
Contact us today for a quote.

3. Use the right car cleaning techniques

Once your vehicle has vinyl lettering, it’s important to adjust your cleaning habits to prevent damage. Vinyl can be sensitive if not properly maintained, so here are three safe cleaning tips:

• Let your vehicle dry in a garage before and after washing

• Avoid commercial car washes, both in summer and winter

• Stay away from pressure washers

4. Notice a defect? Don’t wait to fix it!

If you spot a small tear, bubble, or defect in your vinyl—even in the middle of winter—don’t wait to get it repaired.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Snow, rain, and chemicals can make damage worse over time.

Fixing a small issue now is much more affordable than replacing the entire wrap later.

5. Apply rust protection to your vehicle

While rustproofing mainly protects the lower parts of your vehicle, it’s still a smart investment that helps maintain overall quality—including your vinyl.

Rust forming under doors or panels can prevent vinyl from properly adhering to the paint.

In most cases, rustproofing costs between $90 and $150, depending on your region.

Expert tips

Thinking about getting your vehicle lettered? The first step is to visit us before applying any treatments.

Vehicle lettering should be installed before:

• Ceramic coating

• Rustproofing

• Aquapel treatment

The same goes for wax. It’s strongly recommended to wax your vehicle after vinyl installation, since wax must be completely removed beforehand. Otherwise, the vinyl won’t properly adhere to the surface.

In short, the key is a clean, smooth, and damage-free surface to ensure proper installation. A well-installed wrap will stay in great condition—summer and winter alike.

Trust the lettering experts—contact Duo Énergie Graphique!