Paint Protection Films are the most advanced protection sources for vehicle owners who want to protect and keep their expensive possessions brand new. There is no surprise that paint protection films (PPFs) have become popular over the years. However, paint protection films also come with a lifespan. This means, with or without maintenance, they will need replacement one day. However, you should know the signs of it. Let’s take a closer look and see what is the best time for you to consider replacing your existing film.
Noticeable Wear And Tear
The first sign is the most obvious. As mentioned earlier, paint protection films are not made to last a lifetime. Modern films are specifically engineered to withstand years of wear and tear but will eventually need replacement. However, paint protection films need to be maintained if you wish to increase their lifespan.
Because paint protection films form a barrier between the vehicle’s body, it has to bear the brunt of extreme weather conditions, rocks, and chips on the road. Plus, you also need to invest in the right tools and use appropriate techniques to keep it in perfect condition.
Most vehicle owners ignore this factor and use cleaning products and tools that affect the lifespan of the films. Soon, they find themselves complaining about replacing the film too soon. Plus, the climatic conditions also have a significant influence on the film’s condition.
For instance, if you live in a region that experiences rain almost throughout the year, the film is going to give up relatively sooner as compared to someone who lives in a sunny region. This is because moisture and water can take a toll on the film.
Fading Or Discoloration
Fading or discoloration is another tell-tale sign that a paint protection film needs replacement. Even though both fading and discoloration could take place due to several reasons, prolonged exposure to the sun is the most common factor.
The UV rays from the sun react with the paint protection film and cause it to turn yellow or fade. However, some manufacturers have taken a step forward and introduced films that can withstand years of exposure. Plus, fading or discoloration can also take place if the film is of low quality.
That said, if you observe any fading or discoloration, it means you will need to either replace it or park the vehicle in a covered area to reduce the damage.
Fading and discoloration is a sign for car window tints replacement as well. When you see the color of the tints changing, you should head to a car window tinting shop Springfield for new tints.
Visible Bubbling Or Wrinkling
Paint protection films that show signs of bubbling or wrinkling means it will need replacement due to adhesive failure or improper installation. One thing every vehicle owner opting for paint protection films should keep in mind is that the film should always be installed by a professional.
In most cases, vehicle owners believe it is an easy process and they can save themselves some money by installing them on their own, which is not the case. Paint protection films do not come cheap and they have to be installed by using specific tools. And these tools require a skilled person to use them properly for installing PPF.
This is why you might have observed experts putting in hours of work to master their craft. Wrinkles or bubbles on PPF can take place due to a variety of other reasons as well but once it does, there is no other option but to opt for a new film.
PPFs require some time to cure. The curing process comes at the end of the film installation process. Expert installers use special equipment to fasten and properly cure the film to the body. During this time, the vehicle needs to be parked in a booth.
Loss Of Clarity And Shine
Paint protection films are made to keep the vehicles looking as new as possible. With time, the films due to wear and tear tend to lose both aspects. This is a sign that your PPF needs replacement. Sometimes, the loss of clarity and shine can also be caused due to some other external factor.
For instance, if there is a paint job going on at your neighbor’s house, the film may catch it and may lose its shine. In such a case, you should contact an expert. Fortunately, paint protection films are relatively easier to work with as they are not metal.
However, if the expert suggests that you opt for a replacement, you should. To avoid spending the entire budget, you can only replace the film on the affected parts.
How To Extend The Life Of A Paint Protection Film?
Contrary to the common belief that looking after paint protection films is a complicated process, they require little to no effort. All you need to do is invest in the right tools and use the right skills and techniques to keep it in perfect condition.
Most vehicle owners also believe that once they have installed paint protection films, their vehicles can go on for months without washing and cleaning. This can also take a toll on the film’s life. The accumulation of layers of dirt, dust, and debris is never good for anything let alone paint protection films.
If you have recently installed a paint protection film, you should ask the installer to provide you with some tips and tools that will make maintenance a lot easier.
Can I Install Or Remove PPF On My Own?
Installing or removing a PPF is a complicated process especially if it involves an expensive vehicle. Depending on the weather conditions and other factors, it may take a few days to weeks for a successful paint protection film job. Furthermore, you are going to need an enclosed space, special tools, equipment, and techniques.
You should know that a paint protection film installation process takes place in multiple stages. If the vehicle was neglected, you will need to perform a paint correction procedure, which takes a lot of time and patience as well. However, if you have purchased a new and expensive vehicle, we suggest you take it to an expert for installation.
On the other hand, if your vehicle was involved in an accident or was scratched, you should not remove the film on your own, especially if it was a repainted vehicle. This is because removing the film requires a lot of effort as well and could easily damage the paint.
The majority of the vehicle owners consider it expensive, which is an investment. You get to keep your vehicle’s paint condition brand new, which helps you negotiate a better price should you decide to sell the vehicle in the future.
Conclusion
Paint protection films will last several years only if maintained properly. But, sooner or later, you will have to replace them. So, you should know the signs that might indicate a potential replacement. Not only that, these signs may also show you some practices that you should avoid to increase the lifespan of your PPF. But once it’s time for replacement, choose an experienced paint protection film installer Springfield so the installation is done correctly and the new PPF lasts for years.
