Wraps and paint protection film in Spokane
Spokane's winters are long, and the roads take a lot of treatment. During one December 2021 snow event, City of Spokane crews put down 544 tons of granular deicer, sand and salt and 173,709 gallons of liquid deicer. For a vehicle's finish, that means months of abrasive grit, chemical residue and slush.
Protecting against winter grit
Sand and grit thrown up by other vehicles chip the front end and the lower panels. Paint protection film on the bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors, plus the rocker panels and the area behind the wheels, takes much of that. Deicer residue settles in seams and along film edges, so rinse the vehicle regularly through the winter, including the lower panels and wheel wells, and dry it before it sits in a cold garage.
Studded-tire season
Studded tires are legal in Washington from November 1 to March 31. Studs throw grit and small stones and wear ruts into pavement that hold slush. If you drive on studs, or behind traffic that does, more coverage on the lower panels makes sense.
Snow, ice and film
NOAA's engineering weather data for Spokane lists a 50-year ground snow load of 42 pounds per square foot, which says something about the winters here. Clearing snow and ice is where film gets scratched. Use a soft snow brush, don't scrape ice off filmed or painted panels, and let the defroster and the sun do the work on glass. Don't pour hot water on cold film or glass.
Cold-weather installation
Film is stiff when cold and can crack while being stretched. Manufacturers set minimum temperatures for the film, air and panels; Avery Dennison's bulletin for its Supreme Wrapping Film gives 10°C (50°F) as the absolute minimum. A vehicle that arrives cold needs time inside a heated bay before work starts. Post-heating also matters more in a climate with big temperature swings: ask how the shop post-heats and measures the temperature.
Summer sun
Spokane's summers are sunny, and hoods, roofs and trunks take the most sun. Ask what your film's warranty says for horizontal surfaces.
Spring cleanup
When the deicer season ends, give the vehicle a thorough wash, including the underside of the bumpers, the wheel wells and the edges of any film, and look the film over for lifted edges or chips that need attention.
Checking a shop
Visit the shop and look at the bay. Get the film's brand and warranty on the written estimate, ask how they'll handle edges where winter grime collects, and ask what insurance covers your vehicle while it's there.