Here’s Why Temporary Protective Film Goes the Distance for the Car Buying Experience

Auto buying is on the rebound, steering consumers — including some who vowed never to purchase a car — toward new and used vehicles. Whether a city-dweller needs four wheels to satisfy a new life in the suburbs, or a public transportation devotee wants a vehicle to avoid COVID-19 concerns, car-buying is gearing up for a serious uptick.

Because the cost of a popular, brand-new small SUV is 20 percent higher than a model that’s just two years old, many have turned their focus to used and pre-owned cars. However, no matter what kind of car a consumer chooses to buy, every shopper expects a damage-free, clean car upon delivery.

Here’s how temporary protective film can go the distance to help satisfy customer demand for a dent- and scratch-free vehicle:

Make the Hubcaps and Headlights Gleam

Whether a consumer steps into a dealership to pick up their new (or new-to-them) car or a car is delivered directly to them, you want them to clap their hands in delight. The first thing they see is the exterior: wheels, headlights, and the paint job. But damage on the way to the dealership or delivery point can lessen the vehicle’s value — and increase the likelihood that the vehicle will be rejected by the consumer.

Temporary protective films help prevent scratches and marring on high-gloss finishes, ensuring a car arrives on-site in the same condition it left the factory. For exterior auto parts, choosing films with UV protection prevents it from becoming stiff and brittle, making it difficult to remove.

Paradise by the Dashboard Light

The interior of a car is also subject to damage in transit. Instrument panels, wood-grain detailing, door sills, and touchscreen surfaces need superior protection. Using protective film keeps these surfaces glossy until the consumer removes the film — leaving them with that “peeling feeling.”  Remember: The right film should aggressively cling to a surface, but once removed, it leaves no residue — just a sparkling finish.

Seeing Every Turn in the Winding Road

Window and mirror glass can get scratched and marred during delivery, whether it be from flying rocks on the road or a sharp interior part that comes loose. Doors and quarter panels run a similar risk of being damaged by debris and weather. Using Pregis PolyMask’s surface protection solutions — such as its transit film — ensures consumers receive a pristine car. Plus, a film with UV protection is easier to remove upon delivery and protect against road damage.

Driving All Night (On Clean Upholstery)

Clean upholstery and rugs are all part of the new car experience — whether or not your car is technically brand-new. The moment a consumer opens a car door for the first time, they want to sink into spotless upholstery, inhale that fresh car smell, and envision hitting the open road. They can’t do that if the interior gets grimy during transit or delivery. That’s why automakers and dealers should leave protective film on carpet, door sills, computer screens, and other critical areas during test drives and delivery, which will help keep the interior spotless.

The right protective film for carpets and upholstery features a more aggressive adhesive to stick to rough and irregular surfaces. It should also be made from a low density polyethylene, allowing it to stretch and withstand punctures from customers’ shoes.

Keep the Hot Rod Honeymoon Alive

The last step in the consumer’s car-buying journey is inspecting their vehicle upon delivery. Though vehicles typically incur some damage, it’s usually not major: a ding here, a scratch there. In some jurisdictions, dealers must disclose damage above a specific dollar amount, which can add up quickly even for minor repairs like repainting a bumper or replacing the window glass.

If a car is damaged upon delivery, a customer may refuse the purchase. If they don’t discover the damage before they leave the lot, they may later sue under their state’s consumer protection laws. That’s why it’s critical to use the right protective films. Even more important, protective films must be suited for the parts they’re protecting, ensuring they peel off easily and leave a pristine surface underneath.

Send Consumers on a Fantastic Voyage

Protective film keeps interior and exterior surfaces looking factory fresh, sending consumers on the freeway of love with their new vehicle. It’s important to choose the right thickness and type of film for application, ensuring delivery is as smooth as the new car’s ride.

Want more information on how to give consumers fun, fun, fun with their new cars? 

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