Caring for film in West Texas
A wrap or paint protection film should last for years, but Midland's conditions shorten that if it isn't cared for. NOAA's engineering weather data for Midland describes the challenge: about 336 hours a year at 93°F or hotter, a 1% summer design temperature of 97°F, dry air, and about 46 freeze-thaw cycles in an average year. The checklist below is organized by season.
Every wash, all year
The City of Midland says its water hardness ranges from 400 to 600 parts per million, about 23 to 35 grains per gallon.
- Wash in the shade or early in the morning, never on a hot panel.
- Rinse grit off first before touching the film with a mitt. Dust and sand scratch.
- Dry right away with clean microfiber towels so hard water doesn't leave spots.
- Use pH-neutral soap and the products your shop approves. Avoid solvents, wax with dyes and abrasive polish on matte film.
- Avoid pressure washers near edges. If you use one, keep the nozzle back and never aim at seams.
March to May: wind and dust season
- Rinse more often after windy days so grit doesn't sit on the film.
- Check edges and seams on the front bumper, mirrors and wheel arches, where blowing sand hits hardest.
- Remove bug splatter quickly in spring; dried insects can stain film.
- Book edge repairs early. A lifted edge collects dirt and spreads.
June to August: peak sun and heat
- Park in shade or a garage whenever you can. Hood, roof and trunk take the most sun.
- Use a cover or sunshade if the vehicle sits outside for long periods.
- Watch for fading or chalking on horizontal panels. Ask your shop whether it is within the warranty.
- Don't apply anything to hot film. Let panels cool before cleaning.
September and October: catch up
- Give the vehicle a thorough wash and inspect every panel for scratches, lifting and stains from summer.
- Ask the shop about a film-safe coating if water spotting has been a problem. A coated surface rinses clean more easily.
- Repair damage before winter, when cold makes film harder to work with.
November to February: cold nights
Midland's 99% winter design temperature is 22°F.
- Don't scrape ice off film with a hard scraper. Use the defroster and let it melt.
- Keep road grime off. Dirt and any de-icing products should be rinsed off promptly.
- Be gentle with cold film. It is stiffer and more likely to tear if hit or pulled.
- Avoid automatic car washes with brushes, which can lift edges at any time of year.
Signs to call the shop
- Edges lifting, bubbling or turning dark with dirt.
- Cracks or peeling on the hood or roof.
- Haze or stains that a normal wash doesn't remove.
Keep the paperwork
Keep the film brand, product line, install date and warranty card. Most warranties require proof of installation and sometimes proper care.