3M Cooling Film for Fleet Vehicles: How It Works, Benefits & Cost


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Fleets don't stop moving in the summer heat – but the heat does bring extra challenges that impact the efficiency and daily workflow of fleet vehicles and their drivers.

3M Cooling Film is a new cooling vinyl film that reduces the impact heat has on your vehicle. It's a simple addition to a fleet vehicle wrap that helps combat the heat, keep precious cargo cool, and drive up fuel and energy efficiency on the go.

White cargo van with 3M Cooling Film applied to the roof driving through a sunny city street

What is 3M Cooling Film?

3M Cooling Film is a vinyl material with high thermal emissivity (over 91% in the atmospheric window), according to 3M's product specs. This allows the material to reflect over 85% of solar radiation.

The thermal emissivity and reflective properties of the cooling film work together to cool the vehicle more than standard vinyl alone. That means more comfort for the driver, safer temperatures for cargo and equipment, and higher efficiency – all without using any external power.

How is 3M Cooling Film installed?

3M Cooling Film is installed on the roof of your vehicle – the horizontal surface that attracts the most heat and faces the sun directly.

The rest of the panels, as well as the cab, are then wrapped and branded in a standard film rather than the cooling film.

This installation method ensures you receive the efficiency and cooling perks of 3M Cooling Film, while keeping costs manageable for your fleet.

Vehicle Surface Material
Roof 3M Cooling Film
Sides, rear & cab Standard 3M fleet vinyl with your branding
Semi truck pulling a white refrigerated trailer with 3M Cooling Film on the roof along a desert highway

What are the benefits of 3M Cooling Film for fleets?

A 3M published case study found that 3M Cooling Film brought the temperature of fleet vehicles down 10 degrees compared to standard films.

  • Cooler transitions for drivers. Many fleet vehicles spend a lot of time stopping and going, which reduces airflow. 3M Cooling Film gives the driver cooler transitions from the cab to the cargo area when working through jobs.
  • Protected cargo and equipment. Equipment and cargo stay temperature controlled and cool.
  • Same proven durability. You get the same durability benefits of standard 3M fleet vinyl.
  • No extra energy required. The cooling effect comes from the film itself – not from electricity.

How does the cost of 3M Cooling Film compare to standard options?

While 3M Cooling Film has clear benefits that standard vinyl options don't provide, it is admittedly more expensive due to how it is produced and the volume options available when ordering.

That being said, since it is not installed on the entire vehicle but just the roof, it requires significantly less material than a full wrap.

This ensures you're getting all the benefits of 3M Cooling Film at a cost that works for your fleet.

What fleet industries would 3M Cooling Film benefit?

3M Cooling Film is a great addition for fleet vehicles in industries like:

  • HVAC
  • First Responders
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Delivery Drivers
  • Plumbers
  • Construction

If your team spends the day in and out of a cargo area, or hauls equipment and product that doesn't do well in the heat, a cooler roof pays off every stop.

Is 3M Cooling Film the right fit for my fleet?

Each fleet has its own unique challenges and needs. Our team can meet with you to discuss how 3M Cooling Film can benefit your fleet and walk you through a custom, comprehensive wrap solution to fit your needs and budget.

Give us a call today for your ROI and savings. Whether you're in Omaha, Lincoln, anywhere in Nebraska, or anywhere in the US, we are committed to helping you find meaningful solutions to make sure your fleet is working for you. Start with a free quote.

FAQs

How does 3M Cooling Film work?

3M Cooling Film is designed with high thermal emissivity to reflect solar radiation – keeping your fleet vehicle cooler without using extra energy.

Is 3M Cooling Film installed on the whole fleet vehicle?

No – 3M Cooling Film is only installed on the roof. If you would like a full-coverage look for your wrap, the rest of the vehicle can be wrapped in standard vinyl on the remaining panels.

What are the biggest benefits of 3M Cooling Film?

3M Cooling Film can reduce the temperature of your cargo area by up to 10 degrees, keeping your equipment and cargo cool. It creates more comfortable transitions for the driver moving between the cab and cargo area, and it increases energy efficiency because its cooling benefits are not reliant on electricity.

Is 3M Cooling Film the same cost as standard vinyl options for fleets?

No – 3M Cooling Film is more expensive than standard vinyl. However, since it only needs to be applied to the roof of the vehicle to gain the benefits, standard vinyl is used for the rest of the vehicle wrap, keeping the overall cost manageable for fleets.

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We locally-serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, but we install high-quality graphics all across the country, no matter where. We locally-serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, but we install high-quality graphics all across the country, no matter where.

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