How to Maintain Your Paint Protection Film in Calgary
Seasons may change—but your paint protection film is always there to shield your vehicle through it all.
From the rough road salt that spatters against its surface during winter to the harsher UV rays in summer that are almost hot enough to make your car sizzle, there’s no doubt that paint protection film has one of the toughest jobs out there.
Like a pat on the head for a job well done, PPF deserves proper maintenance so it can continue doing a great job for as long as possible.
Scroll down to discover The Auto Protectors’ top maintenance tips for paint protection film in Calgary.
Table of Contents | How to Maintain Your Paint Protection Film in Calgary
1. Benefits of Paint Protection Film
- A Shield From Mulitple Forms of Damage
- Self-Healing Properties
- UV Protection
2. Car Paint Protection Film Year-Round Maintenance Tips
- Cleaners
- Waxes
- Things to Avoid
3. PPF Seasonal Maintenance Tips According to Calgary’s Weather
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
- Year-Round Tips
4. The Cost of Paint Protection Film (PPF) in Calgary
5. Calgary Paint Protection Film Near Me: The Auto Protectors’ Packages
Benefits of Paint Protection Film
Paint protection film, also known as PPF, is a clear wrap that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle to shield the paint from various forms of damage. What people love the most about it is that it helps keep the vehicle’s paint in mint condition without covering its natural beauty or changing its appearance. It’s there to shield and protect—and yet you won’t even know it’s actually there.
Learn more about the benefits of car paint protection film in Calgary below:
A Shield From Multiple Forms of Damage
Don’t we all want our car’s paint to retain that fresh-off-the-lot look? But with so many elements out there constantly *threatening* its paint job, it’s difficult to keep it in perfect condition.
One of the key benefits of paint protection film is its ability to provide an extra layer of protection for your vehicle’s paint. Calgary’s weather can be harsh with fluctuating temperatures, heavy snowfall, and gravel on the roads during winter. These conditions can easily cause damage to your car’s paint job. But with paint protection film in place, your vehicle’s paint will be shielded from these elements, reducing the risk of chips, scratches, and other forms of damage from dust, dirt, tree sap, and acid rain.
Self-Healing Properties
Another advantage of paint protection film is its self-healing properties.
This means that minor scratches or swirl marks on the film can naturally disappear over time, keeping your vehicle and the protective film itself looking pristine and new.
We know what you’re thinking: What kind of sorcery is this?
It’s tough and it’s self-healing—like, what can’t PPF do?
UV Protection
You wouldn’t step out into the sun without putting on some sunblock first, right? After all, you wouldn’t want your skin to suffer from UV damage.
Just like sunblock for your car, PPF offers similar protection as it’s highly resistant to UV rays.
As the sunniest city in Canada, Calgary experiences intense sunlight throughout the year, which can cause significant damage to unprotected car paint. The UV protection provided by PPF helps prevent fading and discoloration, keeping your vehicle’s paint looking vibrant and glossy for much longer.
Car Paint Protection Film Year-Round Maintenance Tips
Car paint protection film is a tough soldier that shields your vehicle from various elements—and yet it isn’t very demanding in terms of maintenance.
To maintain the durability and longevity of your paint protection film in Calgary, follow these easy tips year-round:
- Use Car Covers: It’s not always possible to keep your car under the shade 24/7. On those days when it’s forced to battle the outdoors without a roof over its head, make sure to place a car cover over it. It’ll do a great job of protecting your car from debris and other abrasive elements.
- Avoid automatic car washes: While paint protection film is designed to withstand regular car washes, it’s best to avoid automated car washes with brushes or harsh chemicals. These can potentially scratch or damage the film. Instead, opt for touchless car washes or hand-wash your vehicle.
- Hand drying: After washing your car, it’s crucial to hand dry the paint protection film to prevent water spots and streaks. Use a clean, soft microfiber towel to gently dry the film, ensuring that no moisture is left behind.
- Waxing and polishing: Although paint protection film does not require regular reapplication or touch-ups like traditional wax or clear coats, you can still apply a layer of wax or paint sealant to enhance the shine and protection of your vehicle.
Cleaners
- pH-Neutral Car Shampoos: Products that are pH-neutral are gentle on PPF and will not strip away any protective sealants.
- PPF-Specific Cleaners: Some brands offer cleaners that are formulated specifically for use on paint protection films.
- No Abrasives: Avoid any cleaners with abrasive components, as they can scratch and wear down the film.
- No Strong Solvents: Steer clear of strong solvents or degreasers that might damage the adhesive or the film itself.
Waxes
- Carnauba Wax: This natural wax is a popular choice for many car enthusiasts and is generally safe for use on PPF. However, make sure it doesn’t contain any additional abrasives or cleaning agents.
- Synthetic Polymer Sealants: These sealants are designed to bond well with PPF and provide a strong protective layer without damaging the film.
- PPF-Specific Wax or Sealant: Some wax and sealant products are designed specifically for use over paint protection film. These are ideal as they take into account the unique properties of the film.
Things to Avoid
- Petroleum-Based Products: Products that contain petroleum distillates can potentially weaken the adhesive or film.
- Waxes with Dyes or Coloring: These can stain the PPF, especially if it’s a top-coated variety.
- Power Buffers: While not a chemical, it’s worth noting that mechanical buffers should be used with great caution if at all, as they can generate heat and potentially damage the film.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Calgary Paint Protection Film
Calgary’s weather is characterized by cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. Given the fluctuations in temperature and weather conditions, it’s essential to adjust your paint protection film strategies according to the seasons to shield your vehicle’s paint effectively. Here are some seasonal maintenance tips tailored to Calgary’s climate:
Spring
- Clean-Up: After the harsh winter, give your vehicle a thorough wash to remove any salt or grime buildup that can affect the car paint protection film.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for any signs of lifting or peeling edges, which can be caused by the expansion and contraction of the film from temperature changes.
- Repair if Necessary: If there’s minor damage or wear, consider getting it repaired promptly to prevent further issues.
- Wax the Film: Apply a synthetic wax that is safe for PPF to help protect against bug splatter and road tar as you head into the season when these become more common.
Summer
- Regular Washing: Frequently wash your vehicle to prevent bug guts, bird droppings, and tree sap from staining or damaging the PPF.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: If possible, park in the shade or a garage. Prolonged exposure to the sun can degrade the film over time.
- Keep it Cool: Minimize exposure to high temperatures by avoiding parking on hot surfaces that can increase the temperature of the film excessively.
Fall
- Prepare for Grit: As the leaves fall and the roads get grittier, make sure to wash your vehicle more frequently to prevent scratching.
- Check Seals and Edges: The change in weather can cause the film to contract, so inspect the seals and edges to ensure they’re still well-adhered.
- Apply Sealant: Consider applying a sealant to the PPF to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Winter
- Pre-Winter Inspection: Before the onset of winter, get a professional inspection of your PPF to ensure there are no issues that will be exacerbated by cold temperatures and road salt.
- Frequent Washes: Road salt is notoriously corrosive, so wash your vehicle regularly to prevent salt build-up on the film.
- Gentle De-icing: Make sure to remove snow from your car right away. Leaving snow on the car makes it more vulnerable to chipping and rusting. Just use soft brushes to gently wipe the snow off the surface of your car after each outing. Be careful not to scratch the PPF with harsh tools.
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing, make sure to dry your vehicle thoroughly to prevent water from freezing and potentially lifting the edges of the film.
Looking for more tips on how to prep your car for the coldest season of the year? Read our blog: Get Your Vehicle in Calgary Winter-Ready with Our Protection
Calgary Paint Protection Film Near Me: The Auto Protectors’ Packages
When it comes to Calgary paint protection film, The Auto Protectors’ services will be your knight in shining armour.
Since 2003, we’ve been setting the bar high with top-tier PPF that’s applied flawlessly—and that’s how we’ve become the go-to provider of car protection solutions in the city.
Our experts use XPEL Paint Protection Film—the most advanced clear mask in the industry that can shield high-impact areas or even provide full-coverage wraps. If you’re going to give your vehicle a mighty shield, might as well ensure its the finest of its kind.
Contact us today to get a quote for your vehicle!
