Can I use magnets on a car? (2024)

In principle, we advise against using magnets on cars.Below we have listed a few possible applications, including our recommendations.

Table of Contents

Attaching license plates with magnets

We strongly advise against attaching vehicle license plates to a car using magnets.Such mounting methods are simply too dangerous.The forces involved, such as wind or uneven road surfaces for example, cannot be fully estimated.It can be life-threatening not only for you, but also for other road users or pedestrians, should the magnets and the license plate come off while driving.


Please note:Since February 2023, Germany has regulated how vehicle number plates must be attached.Paragraph 10, section 5 of the Vehicle License Ordinance (FVZ) states: "Registration plates must be present and firmly attached to the front and rear of the motor vehicle." This means that number plates must not be attached with magnets.Anyone who doesn’t comply risks a fine.
You can find more information in the article "How to correctly attach registration plates to a car" on the AUTO BILD website (in German).

Our products are explicitly notsuitable for advertising on vehicles.That requires a special inspection or permit.

There are various forces at work while driving on the road, all of which are difficult to estimate:

  • Load change during acceleration or breaking
  • Head wind
  • Collisions
  • Road unevenness (also railroad tracks, curbs, etc.)

The sign could come off the vehicle while driving and lead to serious accidents or, in the worst case, endanger not only your life but that of other road users or pedestrians as well.

Attaching magnets inside a car

These days, modern vehicles are generously outfitted with plastic so magnets will simply not stick.However, suitable ferromagnetic surfaces can often be found in box-type and older camping vans.Hook magnetshave proven ideal for use in cars and campers, e.g.for hanging jackets, rags, washbags and many other things.This is especially practical in a camper because storage space is limited.

Please note: Magnets can leave scratches in the paint or other delicate surfaces.Rubber caps and rubber discsoffer perfect protection.For safety reasons, we recommend to only attach items with hook magnets in or on a stationary vehicle.The magnets should be removed and safely stored before you start driving.

Other popular uses of magnets in cars and camper vans::

Our magnetic products for cars

Can I use magnets on a car? (2024)

FAQs

Can I use magnets on a car? ›

Putting magnets on cars is generally safe for your vehicle and its paint. There are ways to protect your car from potential issues though. Prarieweb in New England recommends allowing at least 60 days for fresh paint to cure before putting any magnets on the surface to avoid any potential paint damage.

Will a magnet scratch car paint? ›

Not if you install them properly and keep them clean.

The magnetic receptive side of our magnetic sign material is smooth, and when kept clean and applied properly, will not damage the underlying paint.

Why can't you just put a magnet in front of a car? ›

The magnet, despite being dangled in front of the car like a carrot in front of a donkey, is still part of the same system as the car, attached by a bar and/or rope. They are not applying any force to any outside object, attracting only to each other and canceling out, and so remain as stationary as your car.

Why do people put magnets on cars? ›

Personal Expression: Individuals use vehicle magnets to showcase their interests, hobbies, or affiliations.

What kind of magnet sticks to a car? ›

Magnetic decals adhere to vehicle panels made from ferrous (iron-containing) metals. While most cars have steel bodies and chassis that are magnet-receptive, newer models may contain fiberglass, carbon fiber, molded plastics or aluminum alloys. Magnets will not stick to these surfaces.

Is it okay to put magnets on my car? ›

Putting magnets on cars is generally safe for your vehicle and its paint. There are ways to protect your car from potential issues though. Prarieweb in New England recommends allowing at least 60 days for fresh paint to cure before putting any magnets on the surface to avoid any potential paint damage.

What magnets are safe for cars? ›

Hook magnets have proven ideal for use in cars and campers, e.g. for hanging jackets, rags, washbags and many other things.

Are car magnets different than regular magnets? ›

A car magnet generally is pretty thin (30 mil) and bendable because it needs to be able to stick to the car and the curves of the car. Car Magnets are usually made of permanent vinyl with a magnetic backing. Car magnets can be used to promote a business or a service effectively.

Where should you not place a magnet? ›

Keep strong magnets away from head, eyes, heart, and trunk.

Why don t cars use magnets? ›

Since both magnets are connected to the same frame and, therefore, are part of a single system, there is no external force at work. Both magnets, or even a magnet and a block of iron, are creating a net zero force as they pull at one another, cancelling each other out. Zero net force means zero acceleration.

Are car magnets worth it? ›

If you value versatility, temporary branding, and the ability to switch between vehicles, car magnet signs are an excellent option.

What are magnets used for in cars? ›

Magnets are used in many other vehicular mechanisms, including transmission and oil pan chip collectors, fuel pumps, airbag actuators, steering sensors, power seat and power window motors, dashboard instruments, and even loudspeakers in a car's stereo system.

Why won't my magnet stick to my car? ›

Make sure the mounting surface is magnetic-receptive. Magnets won't stick to aluminum or plastic vehicle body panels. Not all magnetic material is equal. We recommend 14 poles per inch, and a 30 mil matte white vinyl magnetic material.

How do you get a magnet to stay on a car? ›

How to keep a car magnet from flying off?
  1. Buy magnets with round corners. A circular shape makes a magnet more aerodynamic. ...
  2. Flat Magnetic strip. Install your magnets on the flattest possible surface of your vehicle. ...
  3. Keep the surface of the magnetic surface dust free.
Oct 1, 2016

How thick should car magnets be? ›

It has been universally accepted throughout our industry that the minimum acceptable thickness for automobile signs is . 030”, also commonly referred to as 30mil.

How to protect car paint from magnets? ›

Applying wax to the area creates a protective barrier between the paint and the magnet. Treat the magnetic surface of the car magnet with a mild detergent and water and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Car magnets cannot stick on curved, bent or angular planes. So make sure you choose a flat or slightly curved area.

Do magnets cause rust on cars? ›

Whether you can see it or not, moisture will get trapped under your magnets. When moisture is trapped beneath the magnet, it has nowhere to go, except into the micro-pores of the automotive paint, at which point the moisture will contact the metal, creating small rust spots.

How do you remove magnet marks from a car? ›

If you are struggling to remove it manually, you can use a steam clean or hot blade decal remover to get rid of it. Once you have successfully gotten rid of the stuck magnet, you should wash your entire car properly to get rid of any remaining residue. Moreover, top it off by applying some car wax on your vehicle.

Will magnetic tape damage car paint? ›

Magnetic sheet has been used, successfully, as vehicle signs for several decades. However, in exceptional circ*mstances, it may result in damage to vehicle paintwork.

Top Articles
Titanic
Is Wholesaling Real Estate Legal? Laws Vary By State...
Average Jonas Wife
Katie Pavlich Bikini Photos
Danatar Gym
What to Do For Dog Upset Stomach
Bin Stores in Wisconsin
How To Be A Reseller: Heather Hooks Is Hooked On Pickin’ - Seeking Connection: Life Is Like A Crossword Puzzle
Hk Jockey Club Result
How Much Is 10000 Nickels
Gunshots, panic and then fury - BBC correspondent's account of Trump shooting
Needle Nose Peterbilt For Sale Craigslist
Max 80 Orl
Lesson 2 Homework 4.1
123Moviescloud
Slag bij Plataeae tussen de Grieken en de Perzen
Things To Do In Atlanta Tomorrow Night
Summoners War Update Notes
George The Animal Steele Gif
Breakroom Bw
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Negru dual-sim, 256 GB, 12 GB RAM - Telefon mobil la pret avantajos - Abonament - In rate | Digi Romania S.A.
Dr Adj Redist Cadv Prin Amex Charge
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Walmart
Effingham Bookings Florence Sc
Keurig Refillable Pods Walmart
Uconn Health Outlook
Epguides Strange New Worlds
Xsensual Portland
Walmart Near South Lake Tahoe Ca
Seeking Arrangements Boston
Ecampus Scps Login
Boxer Puppies For Sale In Amish Country Ohio
100 Gorgeous Princess Names: With Inspiring Meanings
Package Store Open Near Me Open Now
6465319333
Frommer's Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg (Frommer's Complete Guides) - PDF Free Download
Planet Fitness Lebanon Nh
11301 Lakeline Blvd Parkline Plaza Ctr Ste 150
Ferguson Employee Pipeline
Craigslist Com Panama City Fl
Discover Things To Do In Lubbock
Online-Reservierungen - Booqable Vermietungssoftware
Mother Cabrini, the First American Saint of the Catholic Church
R/Gnv
Congruent Triangles Coloring Activity Dinosaur Answer Key
Sams La Habra Gas Price
The 5 Types of Intimacy Every Healthy Relationship Needs | All Points North
Roller Znen ZN50QT-E
Unit 4 + 2 - Concrete and Clay: The Complete Recordings 1964-1969 - Album Review
Rise Meadville Reviews
When Is The First Cold Front In Florida 2022
Ok-Selection9999
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Maia Crooks Jr

Last Updated:

Views: 6353

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Maia Crooks Jr

Birthday: 1997-09-21

Address: 93119 Joseph Street, Peggyfurt, NC 11582

Phone: +2983088926881

Job: Principal Design Liaison

Hobby: Web surfing, Skiing, role-playing games, Sketching, Polo, Sewing, Genealogy

Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.