What vehicle magnets are and how they work
Vehicle magnets are printed magnetic sheets that sit flat against a clean steel panel on your car or bakkie. They are made for removable branding, so you can take them off after hours, when the vehicle is used privately, or when you need to keep the body panels clear for washing or repairs.
They suit trades, service businesses, small fleets and owner-drivers who need a tidy sign option without drilling holes or applying permanent adhesive. A good magnetic sign should lie flat, grip properly at speed, and carry your contact details clearly enough to be read in traffic and at deliveries.
We make them in plain text layouts, full colour printed versions, or a combination of both. If your vehicle has curved panels or factory body lines, we check the usable area first so the magnet sits correctly and does not lift at the corners.
- Suitable for steel doors, side panels and tailgates
- Easy to remove for cleaning, repairs or private use
- Works well for short-term promotions and seasonal branding
- No drilling, no adhesive residue, no permanent fixing
Sizes, shapes and print options for your vehicle
We cut vehicle magnets to the size of the panel, not just to a standard square. Common sizes include 300 x 200 mm, 450 x 300 mm, 600 x 300 mm and larger custom panels for bakkies. For bigger side branding, we can supply matching pairs for both doors or a longer format for the rear body section.
The most useful magnet is one that is big enough to be read from a distance but not so large that it bridges over handles, seams or panel curves. For a car door, many clients choose a neat rectangular sign with the logo, trade name and number plates or service area. For a bakkie, the sign can carry a stronger visual layout with a larger logo and one or two lines of text.
Print can be finished in full colour on a white magnetic base, or kept simple with bold lettering for lower maintenance. Where needed we can add a QR code, licence details or a short service list. The design is set up for local road use, so we keep the wording short and legible.
- Custom cut to square, rectangle or simple shaped layouts
- Full colour digital print or plain cut lettering
- Matte or gloss laminate options for added surface protection
- Matching sets for left and right sides
Where vehicle magnets suit best
Magnetic signs are a strong fit for businesses that use a vehicle only part of the week, or where different drivers use the same car at different times. They are common on handyman bakkies, mobile services, sample vehicles, project cars and company cars that need light branding without a permanent finish.
They are also useful when a vehicle is shared between business and family use. You can remove the magnet at the end of the day, then refit it the next morning once the panel is dry and clean. That makes them practical for teams working across eThekwini, Umhlanga, Pinetown and the KZN North Coast.
For coastal conditions, magnets are best for vehicles kept in good paint condition and used regularly. If a vehicle has heavy rust, body filler, deep dents or a non-metal panel, we will usually recommend another sign option because the magnet will not hold properly.
- Mixed-use vehicles and part-time branding
- Temporary campaigns and event work
- Short-term hire vehicles where fitting must stay non-permanent
- Trades that visit homes, estates and site locations
Fitting, power needs and what to expect on site
Vehicle magnets do not need power, batteries or gas. They are fitted by hand onto a clean steel surface and pressed into place so the full sheet makes contact. If the panel is dirty, wet or dusty, the magnet can lose grip and edge lift may start at speed. For that reason, we advise that the vehicle is washed and dried before fitting.
Our team can fit magnets as part of a site survey or at our Briardene base, depending on the job and the vehicle type. We check the panel shape, measure the available space and make sure the sign will not sit across a seam, crease or trim line. If the vehicle has roof racks or side mouldings, we work around them so the magnet sits flat.
There is no electrical wiring, no inverter requirement and no build-in power draw. That makes vehicle magnets a simple option for load-shedding periods too, because production and fitting are not affected by power access on the vehicle itself. If you are booking a fleet change, we can also set up the artwork in a way that keeps multiple vehicle sizes consistent.
Care, cleaning and servicing in Durban conditions
Durban heat, coastal humidity and road grit can affect any vehicle sign if it is not looked after. Magnetic signs should be removed regularly for cleaning underneath, then refitted to a dry panel. If dirt builds up behind the magnet, it can trap moisture and mark the paint over time.
Do not leave the magnet on a panel for long periods without lifting it now and then. On hot days, check the corners before driving away. If the panel is wet after washing or rain, dry it before refitting. A magnet that stays clean and flat will last longer and keep its finish looking better.
We also offer maintenance visits and sign servicing for clients who want their vehicle branding checked after a few months. If the magnet has started to curl, fade or lose grip, we can advise whether it needs replacement or whether the layout can be updated for your current contact details.
- Remove and clean both the magnet and the panel regularly
- Store it flat when not in use, not rolled up
- Avoid placing it over fuel caps, trims or damaged paint
- Check for dust, water and loose edges after storms
What to check before you order vehicle magnets
Before you place an order, it helps to confirm the vehicle type, the panel size and the wording you want shown. A magnet should be sized for the exact area available, and the layout should stay readable from a moving vehicle. We usually ask for a clear photo of the side or rear panel, plus any logo artwork you already use.
If you have several vehicles, tell us whether each one is the same make and model or whether the panels differ. That affects the final dimensions. We also need to know if the vehicle has a curved door, a plastic panel section or a body line that may interrupt the magnet. For the best result, keep the wording short and the main contact details easy to read.
Our team handles artwork setup, printing and installation, and we can advise on whether vehicle magnets are the right fit for your daily use. If you need a temporary branding option that can be removed without damage, this is often the cleanest choice.
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Panel measurements or clear photos for sizing
- Logo files and wording for the sign
- Whether the vehicle is private, shared or used for site work
Key facts
| Material | Flexible magnetic sheet with printed face |
|---|---|
| Common sizes | 300 x 200 mm, 450 x 300 mm, 600 x 300 mm, custom sizes available |
| Finish | Matte or gloss laminate |
| Use | Removable side, rear or tailgate branding |
| Installation | Hand-fitted to clean steel panels, no power required |
| Service area | Briardene, Durban North, eThekwini, Umhlanga, Pinetown and the KZN North Coast |
