does "wrapping" a car influence heat dissappation?

[555]

If I use a wrap on a vehicle, can it insulate the engine compartment in a negative way, keeping more heat in? It is after all a thin layer of plastic.
Thanks and looking forward to your responses.

 

[SZR48207]

Anything will have an impact..

 

[CourierDriver]

Some of us lose our minds early in life..................

 

[KrisZ]

Are you wrapping the radiator? If not, then there should be no impact.

 

[CourierDriver]

 

[Dyusik]

With no fans running and car not moving I can see a microscopic increase due to an additional layer of insulation on the hood. I will not be enough of a concern for me, unless I'm doing it to my jeep that idles extensively and sees a lot of low speed operation on large inclines. I removed the insulation from under the hood for that reason.
This

VS this

probably causes 10x as much heat to be trapped than the wrap.

So, if you are not saran wrapping your grille and vents, there will be no measurable difference.

 

[Lolvoguy]

I think the OP is referring to the vinyl wrap that's currently being used on cars.
It's usually cheaper than a paint job, but doesn't last as long.

 

[555]

Originally Posted By: Lolvoguy
I think the OP is referring to the vinyl wrap that's currently being used on cars.
It's usually cheaper than a paint job, but doesn't last as long.
Yup, thanks for clarifying. Dissipation

 

[dparm]

Yes, it will act as an insulator. I wouldn't expect it to make a massive difference unless perhaps the car was air cooled, sitting in Death Valley, and running at WOT while standing still.

 

[Jetronic]

It can make a difference in how hot the cabin gets while parked....

 

[eljefino]

A lot of wrap jobs also cover some of the rear window. I could see that helping the AC like tint would.

The wrap guys cut on every body seam so I see air currents working the same as they did before.

 

[555]

Thanks for the responses.
Had not even considered cabin temps. Good point Jetronic.

 

[Coprolite]

Depending on how flashy the wrap is and how you drive, it could bring the "heat" down on you.

"No officer, it was the other neon rainbow SUV that was speeding."

I think you will be fine on the engine heat concern though.