Why should you brand your vehicles?

hgv bandfixx cutout

Vehicle branding is an excellent form of advertising that uses custom designs and graphics to promote your business or product on a vehicle. Fleet branding has become increasingly popular over the years as it offers many benefits to businesses of all sizes.

Getting your business noticed can be difficult when so many messages are being pushed out there. Creating eye-catching campaigns is the first step in marketing products or services. But how do you compete, particularly if you have a limited budget?

lgv 10

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of vehicle branding and why it is a valuable investment for any business looking to grow its brand awareness and reach a larger audience.

  1. Increased Brand Visibility

One of the primary benefits of vehicle branding is that it provides increased brand visibility for a business. When a vehicle is branded with a custom design, it becomes a moving billboard that can be seen by thousands of people every day. Whether parked on the street or driving on our nation’s highways and byways, a branded vehicle stands out and attracts attention. This type of advertising is particularly effective in densely populated areas where many people are on the road, such as cities and suburbs.

  1. Cost-Effective Advertising

Another benefit of vehicle branding is that it is a cost-effective form of advertising. Unlike traditional advertising methods such as TV and radio ads, which can be expensive, vehicle branding requires only a one-time investment in the design and installation of the wrap or graphics. Once the branding is in place, it can be used for years without any additional costs. This makes it a particularly attractive option for small businesses with limited advertising budgets.

  1. Increased Credibility and Professionalism

Vehicle branding also adds to a business’s credibility and professionalism. A well-designed and executed vehicle wrap or graphics project has a sense of quality and attention to detail that reflects positively on the company. In addition, it shows that the business takes its branding seriously and is willing to invest in it. This can be particularly important for companies that rely on customer trust and reputation, such as healthcare providers, financial institutions, and law firms.

  1. Increased Reach and Exposure

Vehicle branding also offers increased reach and exposure for a business. While traditional advertising methods are limited in their reach, vehicle branding can reach a much larger audience. Branded vehicles can be seen by people who are not actively seeking out the business or its products, which means that the business can potentially reach new customers who may not have been aware of its existence. Additionally, branded vehicles can travel to areas where the business may not have a physical presence, further increasing its reach.

  1. Protection for the Vehicle

Vehicle branding offers protection for the vehicle itself. A vinyl wrap or graphics can protect the underlying paint from scratches, dings, and other damage that can occur during daily use. This can help extend the life of the vehicle and reduce maintenance costs over time. Additionally, when the time comes to sell or trade in the vehicle, the branding can be removed, revealing the original paint underneath in like-new condition.

lgv 32

BONUS – The Brandfixx versatile solution

Because Brandfixx offers an innovative modular vehicle wrap solution, additional benefits are available. For example, the modular system means that if one section of your wrap gets damaged, you only have to replace that one section rather than having to go to the expense of the whole vehicle being wrapped again.

Even more than this, because of the cost-effective nature of the Brandfixx vehicle branding service, you can afford to change your campaign more regularly. This means that if you want to run a time-limited campaign or if you go through a company rebrand, it won’t break the bank to change the look of your company vehicles.

In conclusion, vehicle branding offers many benefits to businesses of all sizes. It provides increased brand visibility, is cost-effective, adds credibility and professionalism, increases reach and exposure, and provides protection for the vehicle. If you are looking for a way to promote your business and increase brand awareness, vehicle branding with Brandfixx may be the perfect solution.

So, if you want to make sure that your company cars stand out from the crowd, get in touch with the team at Brandfixx to see how we can get your fleet noticed.

Ten top tips to boost your fuel economy

Car fuel gauge - fuel economy

With prices at the pump reaching all-time highs recently, keeping the cost of motoring down is becoming more and more of a challenge. Of course, we all want to do our bit to lower our environmental impact whilst also reducing the hit on our pocket, but how do we do that if we still need to use our cars in our professional and domestic lives?

Outside of reducing the number of car journeys we make, there are many other ways to cut our fuel costs. By driving more efficiently, we not only help ourselves to save money on fuel, but we can also help to reduce our carbon emissions and promote a cleaner environment. There are a variety of ways that we can improve our fuel efficiency, from simple changes in driving habits to more advanced techniques such as using telematics which monitor and analyse vehicle data.

In this blog, we will look at some top tips for driving more efficiently, therefore cutting down on the fuel we use.

  1. Maintain proper tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by as much as 3%. Correct tyre pressure is, therefore, essential for fuel economy. Make sure to check your tyre pressure at least once a month and keep them at the recommended pressure level.
  2. Avoid rapid acceleration and braking: Fast acceleration and sudden braking can significantly increase fuel consumption. By accelerating and braking more smoothly, you can reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses and also improve your vehicle’s overall performance.
  3. Use cruise control: Cruise control can help you maintain a consistent speed and reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses. This is especially useful when driving on motorways.
  4. Maintain an economical speed: If your car does not have cruise control, try to keep your speed at a consistent, economical speed where possible. The RAC recommends that most cars are most efficient between 45-50mph, depending on other factors like tyre pressure and weight.
  5. Avoid idling: Idling can be a significant source of fuel consumption. If your vehicle is stationary for more than a minute, turn off your engine.
  6. Remove unnecessary weight: The more weight your vehicle has to carry, the more fuel it will use. So only take what you need for that trip and remove any unnecessary items from your car, such as golf clubs, tools, or bags.
  7. Plan your route: Planning your route can help you avoid traffic, reduce the distance you have to travel, and save fuel. By using GPS or maps, you can find the most efficient route to your destination, saving you from spending too much time sitting in traffic with your car idling. You could even look at the time you choose to take your journey, as certain times of day are busier than others.
  8. Use telematics: companies that run a fleet of vehicles sometimes use telematics systems to monitor and analyse a wide range of vehicle data, including fuel consumption, speed, and vehicle location. This data is used to identify areas where improvements can be made, such as optimising routes to reduce fuel consumption or identifying vehicles that are performing poorly.
  9. Proper vehicle maintenance: Proper vehicle maintenance is essential for fuel efficiency. Regularly scheduled servicing helps ensure that your vehicle is running at optimal performance, which helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
  10. Is your journey essential? It may seem like an obvious question, and on the face of it, all of our journeys are essential, but could you put your car keys away and either walk or cycle, for example? This option will benefit not only your pocket but your health too.

Man driving a car

So, as we can see from these tips, there are many ways that you can improve your fuel efficiency and reduce your overall fuel costs. Additionally, by driving more efficiently, you can also reduce your environmental impact and promote a cleaner environment. With the rising cost of fuel and increasing concerns about the environment, it’s more important than ever to take steps to improve your fuel efficiency.

Additionally, by cutting down the number of miles we undertake in our vehicles, we can also improve the life span of our cars. It stands to reason that the more miles we clock up on our vehicles, the more they are affected by general wear and tear. Everything from the engine’s working parts to windscreen wipers and the condition of the vehicle’s paintwork will all be improved by less usage. Brandfixx offers a unique solution to protecting your vehicle’s paintwork with our modular vinyl wraps. We provide an innovative and cost-effective way to protect your car.

To find out more about our modular vehicle wrapping system, get in touch with a member of the Brandfixx team today.

5 Interesting Facts About Lorries

nigel tadyanehondo god2mdnujuu unsplash

Interesting Lorry Facts  

With the first reference of the word “lorry” being found in the English language in 1838, referring to a luggage truck on a train, HGVs have come a long way from then to what we see on the nation’s roads today.   

Lorries are a massive part of our everyday life. We cannot go through a day or take a short journey without seeing many of these heavy goods vehicles. They form an essential part of driving our country’s economy. When looked after properly and decorated well, they are also an excellent representation of the company they work for.   

Let’s have a look at some interesting facts about these fantastic vehicles and give them the love they deserve.   

  

1 – The lorry was invented in Germany in 1896 by German engineer Gottlieb Daimler.   

Having already invented the motorcycle and a motorised firefighting hose, Daimler was looking for new ways to utilise his engine; this is how the world’s first lorry came into being. Daimler’s first lorry looked like a horse-drawn cart with an engine instead of a drawbar.   

The engine in the first lorry was a 1.06-litre two-cylinder four-stroke engine and was known as the “Phoenix”.  

At 4.5m long and 1.5m wide and could carry up to 1500kg with a top speed of 7.5mph.  

It’s fair to say that haulage has come a long way since then, but it’s also interesting to note that the Daimler company grew to become the Mercedes Benz company that we know today.   

  

2 – Over 80% of all goods in the UK are transported by road using lorries.  

Adding even more to that figure, the goods not included in that 80% require some form of road transport to complete their journey. Even more so, 98% of all food and agriculture products in the UK are moved by road.  

Even if goods are moved by air or sea, they rely on road transport for at least part of their journey.  

Lorries really are the backbone of the economy of Great Britain.   

  

3 – In 2022, over 500,000 heavy goods vehicles were registered on UK roads.   

Just think, when these lorries are professionally vinyl wrapped, that’s a heck of a lot of people seeing your brand.  

2022 saw an increase from previous years, with 485,000 registered HGVs at the end of 2020. We are now seeing the number of registered HGVs increasing in the wake of the unprecedented challenges we faced over the previous two years.   

With that in mind, it is hardly surprising that the haulage sector is the 5th largest employer in the UK. Over 275,000 people within the industry are registered as HGV drivers, but less than 2% of those are female.  

  pexels martin dusek 566862

4 – The methane gas passed by just one sheep could power a small lorry for 25 miles!  

The sheep population in the UK in 2021 stood at over 14.5 million, equating to over 362.5 million miles for that small lorry. In the same year, HGVs accounted for 15.5 billion vehicle miles on UK roads. So maybe harnessing that power could answer a lot of problems!  

Interestingly, scientists in the UAE invented a way of creating biodiesel from extracted lamb fat.   

Obviously, the industry is always looking for more environmentally friendly ways to move products around the country and, indeed, the globe. The most fuel-efficient lorry in the world at the time of writing this article is the Tesla Semi which can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge with a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour.   

  

5 – The amount of beer transported by lorries in one year in the UK could fill Wembley stadium.   

That’s seven BILLION pints of beer. With a world-class effort, UK lorries are keeping the thirst of our population well and truly quenched. Always remember to drink responsibly and never while driving… particularly if you are in charge of a lorry carrying such precious cargo.   

With the standard articulated lorry carrying 44 tonnes and travelling at an average speed of 65mph, it’s a huge leap forward from Daimler’s vehicle carrying 1500kg at a speed of 7.5mph!  

  

Brandfixx helps more people see your business.  

With so many lorries on the UK roads covering the length and breadth of our nation, branding up your livery stands to reason. Good design and a great fleet can spread the word and promote your business throughout the country.   

The Brandfixx modular system is a unique and cost-effective way to get your fleet of lorries on brand and represent your organisation in the best way possible.   

Vinyl wrapping your vehicles has multiple benefits. Not only providing great advertising and pushing your brand image, but the vinyl wrapping process can also help protect your vehicle from the ravages of the thousands of miles your HGV will be covering whilst going about its business. This then prolongs the condition of your vehicle, saving you money on repairing paintwork.   

The modular approach that Brandfixx has developed is also time-saving. For example, if only one or two areas of the vinyl wrapping are damaged, you would only need to replace these sections rather than the whole vehicle. This means that your lorry is off the road for as little time as possible, so you are not losing precious time on the road.   

Additionally, this approach is a much more environmentally friendly option, so it really is a win-win situation. If you want more information on how Brandfixx can help you brand up your fleet, get in touch with us today 

hgv bandfixx cutout

Do You Need Company Cars for Employees?

company car 2

More and more businesses are offering company cars for employees, which comes with multiple benefits for both parties. Read on to discover why you should consider providing a company car to suitable members of staff and how to make the most of it.

 

What is a company car?

A company car is a vehicle that the business provides to an employee, which is usually for both business and personal use. Most employees who have a company car will travel a lot for work purposes, such as being out on the road on a regular basis. A common example is a regional sales manager who needs to drive around the country to visit clients, although many company directors, marketing and events managers, financial consultants and similar roles can also require a large volume of travel.

 

Can anyone have a company car?

The owners and directors of a business will usually have a company car, as well as members of the senior management team. However, you can actually offer any employee a company car if you think it will benefit your day-to-day operations, sales, customer service and annual growth, so it’s very much a personal decision.

 

How does a company car scheme work?

When a director or employee is given a company car, the vehicle will be paid for by the business on top of their annual salary. However, the employee will pay Benefit-in-Kind tax, which is calculated according to the vehicle’s market price, the employee’s income tax band, the age of the car, the engine size and fuel type, and also its level of CO2 emissions (hybrid and electric vehicles benefit from much lower tax obligations).

 

company car 1

 

The benefits of a company car

There are multiple advantages that come with allocating company cars to certain employees, which is why many businesses choose to offer this perk to directors and managers:

No financial contract for the employee: The vehicle is paid for each month by the business, which means that the employee is not personally tied to the financial contract.

Fewer costs for the employee: It’s typical for the business to also pay for the insurance, maintenance, servicing and MOTs. On top of this, some companies decide to also pay for any fuel used for work-related travel, with the employee simply paying relatively low Benefit-in-Kind tax rather than expensive fuel bills.

Attract top talent: A company car is one of the most popular perks you can offer, so it can play a leading role in attracting the right candidates towards C-level roles.

Run a more efficient business: If your employees are dependent on trains and taxis, there will surely be cancellations and delays disrupting their schedules. This could result in a director or manager missing a client meeting or industry event, which can bring serious ramifications. When you choose company cars, the employee simply needs to factor in heavy traffic and they’ll always arrive at their destination on time.

Save money: Businesses that have company cars remove costly train fares and taxi fees from the equation. Whilst the vehicles (and perhaps their fuel) do of course have to be paid for, it can prove a lot more cost-effective than using public transport.

 

The benefits of company car leasing

There’s also the option for a company to lease cars for its employees rather than purchase them. This can prove even more affordable and strategic due to the following reasons:

No depreciation: A leased vehicle is handed back to the dealership after a set period, which means you don’t have to worry about losing value as the car ages.

A stress-free arrangement: When the lease ends, your business simply returns the vehicle and exchanges it for a new one without the hassle of trying to sell it.

Better vehicles representing your business: Leased company cars enable businesses to choose the very best makes and models. The ability to select a higher class of vehicle for less money will delight your employees and ensure that your business is always represented on the roads by professional and attractive vehicles. (As an added bonus, a modular vehicle wrap means that your staff are advertising your business everywhere they go.)

Exceptional features: You can also choose vehicles that are fitted with the latest safety features and in-vehicle technology, which could otherwise be too expensive if you were to purchase the car.

 

company car 3

 

Are there any drawbacks to company vehicles?

The benefits of company vehicles far outweigh the drawbacks. Still, there are some factors to consider when deciding whether or not to offer company cars to your employees:

The cost: Due to the company paying for the vehicle (either as a financial contract or a lease), this cost needs to be included in your cash flow, budgeting and financial forecasts.

Liability: Even the most cautious and responsible drivers can get into accidents. If this happens, there will be an additional cost to your company.

Ownership: If the employee has a company car in place of a personal vehicle, they need to accept that it could be taken away from them by the employer at any time. They also have to hand it back immediately if they leave the company.

 

High-impact branding for company cars

Here at Brandfixx, we provide a very fast, affordable and sustainable alternative to the traditional kind of vinyl wraps that stretch over the entire car. By scanning the vehicle and creating a high-quality modular decal for each panel, we can brand up your vehicle in a fraction of the time and save you money in the process. This innovative branding solution is perfectly suited to a wide range of business vehicles, including company car fleets and taxis.

A particularly attractive feature of modular wraps is that if one area of the vehicle is scuffed, scratched or damaged, we simply replace that individual panel of wrap rather than removing the whole thing and starting all over again. This saves you even more money and minimises waste, making our modular commercial vehicle wraps a very wise choice for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

 

Get in touch

To find out more about our fast, affordable and hassle-free vehicle wraps, get in touch on 01482 686010 or fill in our contact form.

Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter?

pexels chris peeters 12875

The days are getting shorter and the nights are much chillier, which can only mean one thing: winter is coming. Though this is a season enjoyed by many people thanks to mugs of hot chocolate, fire pits in the garden and of course Christmastime, it’s not as kind to vehicles. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a winter checklist for your car and a few tips on safe driving in the winter.

 

Get a winter service

If your vehicle is due a service in the near future, it’s a good idea to have it done before winter arrives. This will help to nip any minor problems in the bud and prevent them from growing into potentially disruptive and expensive issues. A winter car service also gives you the peace of mind that everything is tip-top and ready for driving in cold, frosty conditions, as the battery, tyres, antifreeze, coolant, windscreen wipers, oil and lights will all be checked by a professional mechanic.

Even if you do get a service, there are a few other things to keep on top of during the winter months to ensure your vehicle remains safe to drive, which we’ve listed below.

 

Check the battery

Car batteries typically last between three and five years, so if yours is approaching the end of its life, the last thing you want is for it to die when you’re out on the road during a snowstorm. Remember that cold temperatures reduce the output of a car battery, plus you’ll probably be using your lights and heater more often, so this season very much guzzles up energy. It’s always best to have the battery replaced a little sooner than usual than risk a breakdown when it’s cold and wet outdoors.

 

Do you have enough antifreeze?

Antifreeze really is amazing stuff, as it prevents the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing during winter. It does this by lowering the freezing point of the liquid, making it much harder for ice to form within the vehicle’s engine and keeping the car running smoothly.

As if that isn’t clever enough, antifreeze simultaneously increases the boiling point of engine coolant to stop it from overheating, prevents corrosion within the engine, and aids heat transfer for higher performance. Needless to say, make sure you always have plenty available.

 

pexels thomas h 956771

 

Tyre pressure and tread depth are crucial

A vehicle’s tyres go through a lot of stress, especially during the winter months when ice, snow, freezing surfaces, wet conditions and road grit are prevalent. Your car’s tyres are central to both steering and braking, so you should regularly check their pressure and inflate them to the correct amount whenever required. Another important factor is tread depth, which should be around 3mm during winter and certainly no lower than 1.6mm because that’s the legal minimum. Depending on the vehicle, you may even want to swap your current tyres for winter tyres that offer better grip.

 

Keep the lights clean

The winter months can be dark, misty and very wet, which greatly reduces visibility for both the driver and everyone around them. By keeping your vehicle’s lights, indicators and rear reflectors spotless, you’ll be able to see the path ahead whilst remaining visible to pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers.

Whilst you’re at it, check that the full-beam headlights, fog lights and indicators are all working properly, as you’ll be needing these even more than usual.

 

Carry a winter car kit

There are a few items that you should always carry in your car in case of emergencies, such as a spare battery, screen wash, warning triangles, a high-vis vest and jump leads. However, in winter there are a few seasonal items that every car should contain just in case:

  • Shovel
  • Torch
  • Scraper and de-icer
  • Smartphone power bank
  • Blankets and warm clothes (hats, jumpers, scarves, gloves)
  • Sunglasses (it’s amazing just how bright that low winter sun can be)
  • Strong boots with good grip in case you need to walk somewhere for assistance

 

pexels oleksandr pidvalnyi 376361

 

Be prepared for longer journeys

Even if you’re doing the usual commute or driving somewhere you’ve been a million times before, the winter weather can cause unexpected delays. Adding an extra five or ten minutes to your journey hopefully won’t make much difference, but there’s a chance it could be up to an hour or more. Here are some tips to prepare you for driving in the winter:

  • Check the weather forecast and travel news
  • Consult Google Maps to see if there are any disruptions
  • Allow extra time for the journey, just to be on the safe side
  • If you’re quite low on fuel, pop to the nearest petrol station ASAP
  • Have your scraper and de-icer at the ready
  • Make sure your smartphone is fully charged before leaving
  • A vacuum flask of tea, coffee or hot chocolate can make all the difference!

 

Protect your vehicle from frost

When you’re not driving, it’s a very good idea to keep your vehicle in a garage if you have one. This significantly reduces the chances of constant rain and frost causing rust to form. If you don’t have a garage, and even if you do, we recommend using a thick car cover, as this will help to stop the windscreen from icing over, plus the interior of the vehicle won’t be quite as cold when you’re setting off on your morning drive.

 

Modular wraps protect your car

As an added bonus, modular vehicle wraps offer a layer of protection as well as looking absolutely fantastic. The vinyl acts as a barrier against light scuffs, scratches, hailstones, harsh chemicals and aggressive car washes, making modular vehicle wraps an excellent investment in more ways than one. Take a look at our portfolio of LGV fleet modular wraps for inspiration.

 

Get in touch

To find out more about our fast, affordable and hassle-free vehicle wraps, get in touch on 01482 686010 or fill in our contact form.

Should I modular wrap my vehicle?

lgv 18

With developing technologies in the industry making vinyl products more approachable for businesses and personal use, we look at the different aspects of vinyl wrapping and modular wrapping for a vehicle. Many still argue that complete vinyl wrapping is the only proper way to get a quality finish on a commercial vehicle and that modular wrapping is ugly or cannot be trusted. However, with new materials, such as Brandfixx products, wrapping is becoming much more feasible, attractive and affordable.

 

Should I vinyl wrap or modular wrap my vehicle?

Modular wrapping has been a recommended method for cost-effective vinyl application for a few years now. Still, the technology has only recently developed enough to provide a high-quality product equal to complete body wrapping. Furthermore, when you use modular wraps, you are only paying for the vinyl you need to cover the area you want – which is beneficial in the event of a scrape, and you only want to replace the panel on a single car door. However, if you opt to wrap your vehicle, not only could you be without it for several days to weeks, but you must also get the entire wrap replaced, which is costly in labour and resources, from design and planning to application.

lgv 26

 

Is it easier to fully wrap my vehicle or use modular wraps?

If you are interested in getting your vehicle wrapped, then you will know that the process can take a few days to do right. This lengthy process is due to the labour involved or the waiting list involved at your specific garage or application centre. Vinyl wrapping is now a highly sought-after service, with those trained in the application in high demand. Due to this increased popularity, waiting times for a vinyl wrapping service can be lengthy, and as demand increases, this is only predicted to lengthen. In contrast, modular wrapping can be done quicker and makes the vinyl more accessible to a larger audience with different levels of skill sets. Whilst panelling kits exist and are great for hobbyists and confident DIYers, consider a professional. Brandfixx delivers a high-quality, professional application process for commercial vehicles and fleets, meaning you don’t need to worry about applying vinyl panels yourself, especially for your commercial business fleet. Our team is trained in many application methods, so we can provide a faster service than if you do it yourself. Still, we appreciate the freedom that applying panels yourself can offer.

What makes modular wrapping application faster and easier is that you do not need to apply vinyl to the whole vehicle in one go. Instead, it is broken down into modular sections of the vehicle, fitting perfectly with the lines and measurements of your car. If you opt for a vinyl wrap, your design must be planned out differently and applied to the vehicle in one long, complicated process

lgv 11

 

Should I use vinyl on my vehicle?

Commercial vehicles can benefit from having a vinyl covering for more than just advertising their business. Yes, a printed vinyl gives great advertising opportunities whilst on the road and helps cement your brand image, but it can also prolong the condition and value of your vehicle. When commercial vehicles are used so frequently on the road, you want to ensure they are kept in good shape for as long as possible and retain their value against everyday wear and tear – which is where vinyl comes in.
The vinyl application provides another layer of protection to your paint job on your vehicle, reducing the wear and tear of grit or gravel hitting your car significantly. In addition, when you opt for the modular option for your vinyl covering, you can make considerable savings on replacing your vinyl when it becomes too beat up. The savings come from only needing to replace the damaged parts of specific areas and not needing to redo the entire vehicle wrap.

 

Have you decided which product you would opt for? Modular wrapping, the affordable, professional, flexible option for your vehicle, or the full vinyl wrap? It is more expensive and time-consuming, but it also delivers a high-quality product and application that wows other road users as you drive by. Brandfixx uses our proprietary products to offer the highest quality regardless of the method, ensuring you always get the best possible solution for your needs.

 

Our expert team are on hand to deliver the best advice for your needs. With many years of service behind us, we are fully qualified and experienced in providing insightful advice. To find out more about our fast, affordable and hassle-free wraps or modular wrapping services, get in touch on 01482 686010 or fill in our contact form.

Vinyl Wrapping: Is it good for your vehicle?

taxi brandfixx

As a commercial vehicle owner, it is evident you will want to put your branding across your vehicle, be it an independent service, and you want further marketing opportunities or branding your taxi or fleet. You may ask yourself, “should I vinyl wrap my car?”. Branding is best applied these days through the vinyl application; however, is vinyl any good for the quality of your vehicle long term? As vinyl wrapping has become more widely used, the skills of applicators have also increased. This has meant that high-quality vinyl application is made to almost any part of the vehicle. Each piece comes with its own set of questions. We look at your most asked questions about how vinyl affects your vehicle’s surface finish and quality and answer your queries using our expert and professional knowledge.

 

Does Vinyl Wrap Scratch Easily?

Vinyl wrap in its final form is a durable and flexible material that protects the original surface of your vehicle. A commercial vehicle with no protective coating is prone to scratches, lowering its values even faster than the dynamic nature of commercial vehicle use. Applying a protective layer like vinyl will ensure your vehicle has a primary defence against scratches, abrasions and daily wear and tear. Sure, investing in a vehicle wrap will improve your vehicle’s longevity and curb appeal, but does the vinyl itself last long enough to be worth it? Absolutely. Vinyl wraps are more durable than car paint, and proper installation can even prolong the vehicle, making vinyl a worthy investment.

As vinyl for taxis has a lot of use, it is durable and resistant to everyday wear and tears. However, over the years, scratches can eventually build up and affect the overall appearance finish of vinyl covering. At this point, you can investigate having panels replaced – targeting only the worst affected area with our service, ensuring you do not need to replace the entire vinyl wrap in one sitting if it is unnecessary.

Vinyl vehicle wrapping doesn’t have a protective coating, but you can apply one. It can look like paint protection film or a ceramic coating. The protective paint film is the most popular way to protect your vinyl wrap. It is made from heavy-duty vinyl to help deter further abrasions, contaminants and UV damage. Did you know that some vinyl has “healing” properties? With the sun’s heat or through a heat gun, some vinyl can fix minor scratches thanks to being heat resistant and providing protection from further UV damage. The ceramic alternative comes as a liquid and dries solid, much like glass. This sturdy shield will help prevent scratches and keep water away from the wrap.

There are multiple ways to protect your vinyl wrap and get as much life out of it as possible. After that, it is just down to your personal preference on the manner you use. But overall, vinyl has been proven to be a scratch-resistant, and beneficial material t apply to your commercial vehicles.

 

private hire 6

 

Does Vinyl Wrap protect from Rust?

There are many ways to protect your vehicle from rust, such as frequent washing, waxing and even vinyl wrapping. The washing protects your vehicle from rock salt erosion which can directly lead to rust, whilst waxing can provide a thin layer of protection against minor scratches and allows water to move quicker from the vehicle. Unfortunately, as you cannot wrap the underside of the car, this leaves it open to the elements and makes it more prone to rust. You should not cover an already rusted vehicle, despite wanting to hide a blemish as quickly as possible. Instead, you must address the rusting problem from its source to prevent it from worsening. Only when the issue has been repaired should you wrap your vehicle. Covering over a rusted area will only make the matter dramatically worse.

In short, wrapping your vehicle will not stop rust. Wrapping protects your vehicle from chips and abrasions, with waterproofing elements on the vehicle’s surface. However, rust forms from moisture, mud and water collecting under the frame, the backs and inside the body panels where washing and waxing cannot reach. It may help protect where the vinyl is applied, but you cannot safeguard where the vinyl does not go.

 

How long does Vinyl Wrap last?

Car wraps have an average lifespan of approximately five years. However, our products have been proven to surpass seven years with proper care and attention. This is thanks to our unique modular system for the application, meaning the vinyl is less prone to ripping, scuffs and breakages. This method not only increases the lifespan of your wrap but also makes replacements much more manageable, cheaper and makes much more sense! You no longer need to replace the entire wrap for an isolated scuff. You can now replace the panel in question in a matter of hours. You can also prolong the lifespan of your vehicle wrap by being aware of factors such as washing, climate and sun exposure. These factors, such as permanent exposure to the sun and elements, can bleach your wrap and reduce its lifespan to two years. When cleaning your vinyl-wrapped vehicle, use a soft cloth and avoid strong solvents or automated brushes. These can dull the vinyl and lift loose edges. If you are investigating getting a wrap for your commercial taxi or fleet, ensure you know the products you can and cannot use on vinyl material. Teflon, silicone-based products and wiping spills as soon as possible are an easy but sure-fire way to provide extra protection.

 

private hire 5

 

We have covered three big questions about vinyl wrapping your commercial vehicle and how to care for it. With us, you can establish that your vinyl-wrapped taxi will last up to seven years with proper care and attention, proving the return on investment for choosing a higher-quality vinyl application service. In addition, the Brandfixx materials are the best in the industry, making them less susceptible to abrasions and scratching, ultimately providing a more prolonged duty of service. We have also warned you about the dangers of rust and vinyl application.

 

We have revolutionised the industry with our unique approach to vehicle branding using vinyl. Our specialist technology uses 3D scanning of any sized vehicle to ensure a precise fit and a higher quality overall product. So if you are interested in getting the highest quality vinyl wrapping for your commercial fleet or vehicle, contact us today for a quote or advice. We offer a high-quality car wrapping service in Hull that protects your vehicle and provides a great marketing message for your brand. So please schedule an appointment today and see how we can represent your brand and improve your fleets’ lives.

Custom Wraps for Plant Machinery

plant machinery 1

We don’t just brand up cars, vans, taxis and HGV/LGV vehicles, as we’re also available to design, print and install a wide variety of custom wraps for Volvo, Hitachi and Komatsu plant machinery. If you’re fed up with paint jobs not lasting anywhere near as long as you’d like them to, it’s time to take a look at the many benefits offered by Brandfixx.

 

Fast and affordable plant machinery wraps

The beauty of Brandfixx machine wraps is that they’re designed, printed and installed as individual panels. Rather than one large wrap that’s stretched across the machine, which can often lead to inconsistencies and thinner sections, your Brandfixx kit is applied as multiple panels that fit together perfectly to create a seamless result. This is much faster and more affordable than traditional wraps, making Brandfixx kits a sound investment for warehouses, factories and industrial units across the UK.

 

Colour coordinate your production floors

The branding of plant machinery has many purposes. The most obvious is to make machinery look the part and represent the high standards of your business, as a tatty and tired appearance can really spoil the effect of an otherwise sleek and professional work environment. This also helps your commercial photography to stand out from the crowd and do its job via your website, social media channels and printed materials.

However, the branding of plant machinery has another purpose that’s far more functional, as colour coordination can greatly aid workflow, efficiency and health and safety. By switching to Brandfixx wraps, all of your plant machinery will look its best whilst helping workers to get more done in less time through clear colour coordination. This is also a great way to help new employees to familiarise themselves with their work environment, hit the ground running and avoid accidents caused by unclear visual communication.

 

Brand up your commercial fleet

In addition to static plant machinery, we can also add your artwork to company cars, vans, LGV and HGV vehicles, enabling us to customise your entire fleet in no time at all. This ensures brand consistency and attention to detail across your workplace and whilst out on the road, which brings a strong return on investment.

We can create custom wraps for excavators, loaders, dumpers and all types of articulated machinery up to 95 tonnes, making Brandfixx your go-to supplier for high-quality and versatile fleet wraps.

 

Less waste means a more sustainable approach

Due to the Brandfixx method being in the form of modular kits, damage repair is a faster, cheaper and more sustainable process. If an area of a vehicle or piece of machinery is scratched or dented, we simply replace that panel of artwork rather than having to remove the wrap and make a new one. As well as the benefits listed above, this also means minimum waste, which makes Brandfixx a more environmentally friendly and sustainable provider of custom wraps.

 

Get in touch

To find out more about our fast, affordable and hassle-free wraps, get in touch on 01482 686010 or fill in our contact form.

The Benefits of Brandfixx Vehicle Wraps

private hire 4

We provide the highest quality of vehicle wraps that are precisely customised for your cars and vans. Thanks to our state-of-the-art 3D scanning system and modular kit approach to vehicle wrapping, we can install custom graphics in a fraction of the time and for a much lower price than traditional van wraps. Read on to discover why you should book your commercial vehicle wraps with Brandfixx today.

 

Vehicle wraps in a kit

Rather than printing your graphic onto one large piece of vinyl and stretching it over the vehicle, we’ve developed a clever alternative. First, we scan your car, van, taxi or haulage vehicle either on your premises or here at the Brandfixx site in Hull, which allows us to then produce a modular kit consisting of multiple panels. The panels are then attached to each corresponding section of the vehicle, resulting in a seamless piece of artwork. It’s fast, it’s effective and it looks absolutely fantastic!

 

Increase brand awareness

Custom vehicle wraps are a powerful way to get your brand quite literally out on the road. During the course of just one day, your branding can be seen by thousands of potential customers all around your hometown and much further afield if your drivers are out and about. It’s essentially like having a mobile billboard for the price of just one vehicle wrap, making it a cost-effective way to grab attention and encourage people to visit your website.

 

We can wrap all kinds of vehicles

From all makes of cars and vans to large LGV and HGV vehicles, we can create and install custom wraps in no time at all. We also work on any scale, so whether you want just the one company car branding up with high-quality decals or have an enormous fleet of haulage vehicles that deserve the Brandfixx treatment, simply get in touch and we’ll schedule them all in for a highly competitive price.

 

Optimised damage repair

Ready for an added bonus? Due to the graphic being applied to your vehicle as panels, it’s extremely easy to replace any areas that become damaged over time. For instance, a traditional van wrap would need to be reprinted and replaced in its entirety if just one area of the vehicle sustained something as commonplace as a scuff, dent or scratch. When you choose Brandfixx vehicle decals, we simply replace the panel that has seen better days, making damage repair quick and affordable.

 

Branding vehicles the sustainable way

Thanks to the replacement of individual panels being so easy, Brandfixx modular kits are also a far more sustainable approach to custom vehicle wraps. The amount of material that’s wasted when a damaged vehicle requires a new wrap can prove enormous if the whole thing needs replacing, whereas our system keeps wastage to an absolute minimum. The same applies if your website or contact details change, as we can just replace those panels with new artwork.

 

Get in touch

To find out more about our fast, affordable and hassle-free vehicle wraps, get in touch on 01482 686010 or fill in our contact form.

Brandfixx: Fast, affordable, high-impact branding for any vehicle

It takes an F1 pit crew just a few seconds to get a vehicle back on the road…and we’re not far behind.

We’re the quickest fleet and vehicle rebranding team on the circuit, so why not take 2022 as your opportunity to upgrade your look without the time and cost implications that typically surround the process of traditional vehicle wrapping.

The ‘Brandfixxing’ process comes at a smaller cost to the environment, when compared to standard vehicle wraps, as there is no need for energy-sapping heat guns, while heating and lighting costs are far smaller given the time savings. We also use half the material of a traditional wrap due to our modular approach, resulting in far less waste.

Our product also offers impressive flexibility as our panel-by-panel, modular process allows for the replacement of individual decals should they become damaged. Equally, the time for a full vehicle rebrand is cut from days to hours meaning you could upgrade to reflective branding for the dark nights of winter or a topical look to fit around major events like Christmas – all without the impact on your wallet.

If you’re looking for a complete fleet overhaul or a plant machinery upgrade, our specialist, 3D scanning technology can scan any vehicle before our specialist team designs, manufactures and applies your dream look.

Brandfixx. The simple answer to vehicle branding.

Get in touch with the Brandfixx team today.