Winter is coming: How road salt affects your vehicle graphics & wraps

Ah, winter—the season of frosty mornings, cosy scarves, mince pies, and... road salt.

That sneaky stuff they scatter across roads to keep us safe from icy hazards can also be a headache for our vehicles, especially when it comes to keeping your vehicle and graphics looking fresh.

The truth about road salt and vehicle graphics & wraps

First things first—road salt is a lifesaver on icy roads, but it’s not so great for the paint on your vehicle. Salt is corrosive, and when it mixes with moisture, it can kick off a reaction that damages your vehicle’s paintwork over time. But what about your stunning vehicle graphics or wraps? Should you be worried?

The good news is that while road salt can be tough on paint, it’s not as harsh on vinyl wraps or professionally applied vehicle graphics—if you take care of them!

Regular cleaning: Your best defence

Here’s the golden rule: clean regularly! Wherever you go this winter, road salt is going to find its way onto your vehicle. And when that happens, it can settle on your graphics, potentially leading to buildup that dulls the finish. By cleaning your vehicle often, you prevent salt from lingering and give your graphics the best chance to stay in top condition.

Quick tip: Check out our previous blog post on looking after your vehicle graphics. It's packed with easy-to-follow advice on cleaning and protecting your vehicle, which becomes even more important when the weather gets frosty.

The vehicle wrap vs. salt battle

Unlike paint, vinyl wraps and high-quality vehicle graphics are generally more resistant to road salt. But that doesn’t mean they’re invincible! Regular cleaning helps keep your graphics looking sharp and prevents the salt from drying out and leaving behind stubborn spots.

If you're investing in a full wrap, consider choosing a high-gloss finish or ceramic coating. These finishes make it harder for grime and salt to stick, making cleaning a whole lot easier… that said, we do love a matte wrap!

Keep your graphics looking great all winter long

In short, while road salt may not be the best thing for your vehicle’s graphics, a little regular care can go a long way in keeping them looking sharp through the winter months.

If you’re looking to get your vehicle ready for winter with fresh, durable graphics that can handle whatever the roads throw at them, get in touch with us at Mobad. We’ll make sure your ride stands out—rain, snow, or shine!