What vehicle magnets are and where they work best
Vehicle magnets are printed magnetic panels made to sit on flat steel bodywork. They are cut to size, printed with your logo, contact details and message, then finished with a protective coating so they can handle daily use on Bloemfontein roads and the wider Free State. They are a practical choice when you need advertising on a bakkie, panel van or service vehicle but do not want a permanent wrap.
They work best on smooth, clean metal doors or side panels. On correctly prepared surfaces, the panel holds firm at road speeds and can be removed and put back as needed. They are useful for contractors, delivery vehicles, mobile services, short-term campaigns and vehicles that are shared between staff or used for both business and personal trips.
- Suitable for steel panels only, not aluminium, plastic or fibreglass
- Best on flat areas with limited pressing seams, curves or rivets
- Can be removed for washing, long parking periods or security reasons
- Useful for temporary campaigns, seasonal work and mixed-use vehicles
Sizes, thickness and finishing options
We make magnets in a range of sizes to suit doors, tailgates and side panels. Common sizes include 300 x 200 mm for smaller message panels, 450 x 300 mm for medium branding and 600 x 300 mm or larger for bakkie doors and van sides. If your vehicle has unusual panel dimensions, we can cut the magnet to fit around handles, badges or body lines.
The standard build uses flexible magnetic sheeting with printed vinyl lamination on top. Typical thickness is 0,85 mm to 0,9 mm, which gives a good balance between grip and easy removal. For better weather resistance we usually recommend a UV-stable laminate, especially for vehicles parked outdoors in strong Free State sun. If your business works near the coast or in very dusty conditions, a tougher finish helps protect the print from dirt and moisture.
- Standard thickness: 0,85 mm to 0,9 mm
- Printed face with protective laminated finish
- Square, rectangle or custom cut shapes available
- Can include reflective accents for improved visibility
How magnetic panels suit day-to-day business use
Vehicle magnets suit businesses that need flexible branding without committing to permanent graphics. If you run one vehicle across several jobs, or if the same vehicle is used after hours by family, magnets give you quick changeover. They also suit companies that want to add branding to borrowed, leased or shared vehicles where permanent application is not allowed.
They are commonly used on service bakkies, courier vehicles, inspection vehicles, project vehicles and small delivery vans. For fleets, magnets can carry a uniform look across several vehicles while keeping the option to swap panels between units if a vehicle goes in for repairs. That makes them handy during load-shedding related callouts too, when a backup vehicle might need to step in at short notice.
- Ideal for leased vehicles and short-term contracts
- Good for vehicles used both privately and for business
- Easy to re-order when staff, phone numbers or services change
- Handy for campaign work, events and temporary promotions
Installation, power needs and what the surface must be
Vehicle magnets do not need wiring, power or gas. The job is all about correct placement, surface preparation and consistent panel care. Before fitting, the metal surface must be clean, dry and free from wax, polish, dirt and rust. A magnet will not grip properly on a dirty panel, and trapped grit can scratch the paint over time.
We check the panel size, curvature and any body features that may affect the hold. If the body panel is heavily curved, has deep pressing lines, or is made from a non-magnetic material, we will advise you before production. The magnet should sit flat with full contact. If it is fitted over a sharp edge or too close to a gap, the wind can lift it at speed. On windy days in open areas like the N1, correct fitment matters even more.
- No electricity, batteries or gas required
- Surface must be steel, clean and fully dry
- Not suitable for rusted, textured or non-metal panels
- Best fitted with a full flat contact area and clean edges
Care, cleaning and long-term servicing
Vehicle magnets are simple to look after, but they do need regular attention. Remove the panel at least once a week, or more often if the vehicle is washed frequently, and wipe both the magnet and the body panel underneath. This prevents moisture from sitting between the magnet and the paint. In wet weather or after a dusty trip, do not leave the panel on overnight if the vehicle is dirty underneath.
For best life, lift the magnet off before pressure washing. Never apply it over wet paint. If the panel becomes warped, cracked or loses grip, replace it rather than trying to force it back into shape. We can also help with sign refurbishment and debranding if your vehicle has changed use or if the graphics need updating.
- Remove and clean the panel weekly
- Wipe off moisture and dust before refitting
- Store flat when not in use, out of direct sun
- Check for edge lift, cracking or dirt build-up
What to check before you place your order
To make sure your vehicle magnets fit properly, please confirm the vehicle make, model and year, plus the exact panel area where the magnet will sit. Measure the visible flat space only, not the full door if there are handles, mouldings or curves in the way. If possible, send a clear photo of the door or side panel so we can check the shape and suggest the right size.
You should also decide whether the panel needs one or two colours, full colour print, or space for a contact number and service list. Keep the wording short enough to read at a glance in traffic. For work in Bloemfontein, Mangaung, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Welkom or Kroonstad, simple and direct copy usually works best because vehicles are often seen for only a few seconds. We can assist with artwork setup, logo redraws and production prep if your artwork needs cleaning up before print.
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Exact panel measurements and photos
- Choice of size, wording and brand colours
- Whether you need one pair or several sets for a fleet
Key facts
| Product type | Removable magnetic vehicle branding panel |
|---|---|
| Material | Flexible magnetic sheet with printed and laminated face |
| Typical thickness | 0,85 mm to 0,9 mm |
| Common sizes | 300 x 200 mm, 450 x 300 mm, 600 x 300 mm and custom cuts |
| Best surfaces | Flat steel doors, side panels and tailgates |
| Care | Remove weekly, clean both surfaces, store flat and dry |
