When a cop car speeds across the town with flashing lights and sirens, the bold police car graphics that adorn its sides aren’t just there to look good; they also have an important role to play in public safety.
Nevertheless, not all police car graphics are created equally. They can be made with different materials, designs, colors, and other details.
Selecting the right materials can be the difference between peeling decals within months and those that survive extreme conditions for many years.
Understanding everything that goes into police car graphics is vital whether you outfit a patrol vehicle or your entire fleet. So, what do you need to know to make the best decision?
Keep reading to find out.
What Makes Police Car Graphics Special?
These aren’t your normal stickers; they are engineered to be highly durable, reflective, and weather-resistant.
Here is why these features matter:
High Visibility and Reflectivity
Visibility is key for police vehicles, particularly at night or under poor lighting conditions. Reflective materials ensure the car is seen by other motorists, including pedestrians, thus enhancing the safety of both officers and members of the public. Materials such as 3 M’s reflective vinyl (which combines aesthetics with durability) are commonly used.
Weather Resistance
These vehicles must be used regardless of weather conditions, from scorching summers to icy winters. The graphics must endure UV rays, rainwater, snowflakes, and even road salts, for instance. High-quality materials like cast vinyl are made with these purposes in mind so they don’t deteriorate under harsh elements.
How to Choose the Right Material for Police Car Graphics
When choosing the best material for a police car graphic, you must consider many things, including durability, reliability, ease of use, cost, and so on.
Some popular materials used for police car graphics include:
Cast Vinyl
Durability: High
Cost: Moderate to High
When to choose it: It is good for intricate vehicle curves and surfaces.
Calendared Vinyl
Durability: Moderate
Cost: Low to moderate
When to choose it: Best suited for flat or gently curved surfaces.
Reflective Vinyl
Durability: High
Cost: High
When to choose it: Improving visibility in low-light conditions.
FAQ: Common Questions About Police Car Graphics
Look at some of the top questions on police car graphics to find the answers you’re looking for.
Typically, how long do police car graphics last?
High-quality graphics can last five to seven years, depending on the materials used and the conditions they are exposed to.
Can police car graphics be removed without damaging the vehicle’s paint?
Yes. Provided quality materials were used during installation and application, graphics can be removed without destroying the painting. Cast vinyl, in particular, is known for being easily removed.
Are there any special maintenance requirements for police car graphics?
Cleaning them regularly with non-abrasive soaps and avoiding high-pressure washing will extend their longevity. These signs should be assessed periodically for any evidence of aging.
The Importance of Professional Installation for Police Car Graphics
Even if you have the best material for vehicle graphics, ineffective installation will cause it to fail. Professionals apply them properly to stay put longer and look good, too! They know exactly how to work with them, especially when dealing with complex surfaces coupled with curves.
Where to Get the Best Police Car Graphics
It is important to pick a reputable provider for your police car graphics. Look for companies specializing in emergency vehicle graphics and offering warranties on their products and installations. One such company is Graphic Designs International (GDI), known for its world-class materials and professional installation services.
Checklist for Choosing a Provider
- Experience in working with emergency vehicles
- High-quality, durable materials
- Professional installation services
- Warranties on products and installation
Why Police Car Graphics Matter
High-quality car graphics for the police have several advantages:
Better Security and Reduced Visibility Hazards
High-quality police car graphics also help boost the safety of police and the public in many ways.
These graphics are available in reflective and high-visibility materials so police cars are easily visible to other drivers on the road, including in low-light conditions or bright daylight.
This becomes especially important during late evening and early mornings or in adverse conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or fog. The higher visibility of police cars on roads during these times of the day will reduce accidents and other dangerous events on the road. It also helps make it easier for other drivers to see police vehicles and move out of the way more quickly.
Professional Appearance
Professionally made graphics also demonstrate the professionalism of a police department. High—quality graphics with no peeling or fading indicate attention to detail. A more professional image can promote respect and trust in the police department, further enhancing law enforcement’s credibility.
Cost Savings
While the short-term expense might be higher due to the high quality of materials and professional installation, the long-term savings are tremendous.
Quality materials (such as cast vinyl) and professional installation techniques help the graphics stand the test of time and all that the weather and other elements can put them through.
This will, in turn, cut down on maintenance costs because the parts will not have to be replaced as frequently.
All of these measures allow the department to save energy and money. High-quality materials paired with professional installation will cut costs by mitigating repetitive replacements and repairs.
Professional Police Car Graphics: Start Now
Selecting the best materials for police car graphics is a critical decision that requires considering safety, durability, and costs without sacrificing any of those qualities. The final product will be much better if you know what materials work well for emergency vehicle graphics and why professional installation is necessary!
To get started on your department’s police car graphics, contact Graphic Designs International. Their team of experts will advise you on the best materials and design options and offer professional installation tailored to your departmental requirements.
