Your business vehicle can do more than take you from one appointment to the next. With a custom car magnet, it can also display your business name, services, and contact information while you’re driving around town or parked at a job site.
For small businesses, car magnets offer a flexible alternative to permanent vehicle graphics. You can add your branding when you’re working and remove it when you need to use the vehicle for personal errands.
But before ordering, there are a few important questions to answer: What size car magnet should you choose? Where should you place it? And how do you design one that’s easy to read from a distance?
In this guide, we’ll cover common car magnet sizes, design tips, vehicle placement, and printing considerations to help you create a professional magnetic sign for your business.
What Are the Standard Car Magnet Sizes?
Two common car magnet sizes are 11″ × 8.5″ and 17″ × 11″. Both are available through Overnight Prints custom car magnets.
The right size depends on your vehicle, the amount of information you want to display, and the space available on the door panel.
| Car Magnet Size | Best For | Design Considerations |
| 11″ × 8.5″ | Compact branding, smaller vehicle doors, and simple business information | Works best with a short message and minimal text |
| 17″ × 11″ | Larger logos, service advertising, and more visible business information | Provides more room for a headline, phone number, and service description |
Both sizes can work well for small businesses. The most important consideration is choosing a magnet that fits the vehicle’s flat, magnetic surface without overlapping handles, trim, or curved edges.
11″ × 8.5″ Car Magnets
The smaller format is a practical option when you want a simple, professional design.
It’s especially useful for businesses that only need to display:
- Company name or logo
- Main service
- Phone number or website
For example, a mobile notary might use a compact magnet with the business name, “Mobile Notary Services,” and a phone number.
Because the space is limited, avoid long service descriptions or multiple calls to action.
17″ × 11″ Car Magnets
The larger format gives you more room to communicate your message.
It can work well for cleaning companies, landscapers, contractors, and other businesses that want their branding to be visible on the road or at job sites.
A larger magnet might include:
- Business logo
- Short service headline
- Phone number
- Website
- One brief supporting message
Even with the extra space, simple designs are usually easier to understand than crowded layouts.
How to Choose the Right Car Magnet Size for Your Vehicle
Before designing your magnet, measure the area where you plan to place it.
A magnet that looks appropriately sized on a computer screen may be too large for a particular vehicle door.
Step 1: Measure the Available Door Space
Use a measuring tape to identify a smooth, flat area on the door panel.
Measure the width and height while accounting for door handles, body lines, trim, and other features.
Leave enough clearance around the magnet so every edge can lie flat against the vehicle.
Don’t assume that all sedans, SUVs, trucks, or vans have the same available space.
Step 2: Check Whether the Surface Is Magnetic
Not every vehicle panel can hold a magnetic sign.
Car magnets require a compatible ferromagnetic metal surface, typically steel.
They won’t attach properly to aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, or other non-magnetic materials.
Before ordering, test the intended placement area with a small household magnet.
If the magnet doesn’t attach securely, a car door magnet isn’t suitable for that panel.
Step 3: Consider How Much Information You Need
If your design includes only a logo and phone number, the smaller size may be enough.
If you need a short service description or a more prominent business name, the larger format may be easier to read.
However, choosing a larger magnet doesn’t mean you should fill every inch with text.
Step 4: Check the Placement Area Again
After selecting your preferred size, use a paper rectangle cut to the same dimensions to visualize the finished magnet.
Hold it against the vehicle door to check the proportions and available space.
This simple step can help you identify placement issues before you order.
7 Car Magnet Design Tips for Small Businesses
A car magnet is often viewed for only a few seconds.
That means your design should communicate the most important information quickly.
Here are seven practical ways to make your car magnet more effective.
1. Make Your Business Name Easy to Read
Your business name or logo should be one of the most prominent elements.
Avoid making it so small that someone needs to stand next to the vehicle to recognize it.
If your logo includes intricate details or tiny text, consider simplifying it for the magnet.
A clear business name is more useful than a complicated graphic that becomes difficult to recognize from a distance.
2. Focus on One Main Service
Small businesses often offer several services, but listing every one of them can make a car magnet difficult to read.
Instead, highlight the service most likely to help potential customers understand what you do.
For example:
- Residential Cleaning
- Lawn Care & Landscaping
- Mobile Pet Grooming
- Home Repairs
- Local Real Estate Services
- Plumbing Services
If you offer multiple services, your website can provide the complete list.
The magnet’s job is to communicate your business clearly and give people a way to contact you.
3. Use Large, Readable Fonts
Choose fonts that remain clear when viewed from several feet away.
Bold sans-serif fonts are often a practical choice because they have simple letterforms.
Avoid thin scripts, elaborate decorative fonts, and long lines of small text.
A useful design hierarchy is:
Largest: Business name or main service
Medium: Phone number or website
Smallest: Short supporting information
Review your design at its actual printed size before ordering.
4. Choose High-Contrast Colors
Color contrast affects how easily people can read your magnet.
For example, dark navy text on a white background is generally easier to read than light gray text on a pale blue background.
Try combinations such as:
- Navy and white
- Black and yellow
- Dark green and cream
- White and deep blue
You can use your brand colors while adjusting the contrast to improve readability.
For more ideas, explore our guide to color psychology in print.
5. Include One Clear Contact Method
A phone number or short website address gives interested customers a way to find your business.
Choose the contact method that best supports your goal.
For example, a cleaning service might prioritize its phone number, while a restaurant may prefer a short website address.
QR codes can be useful when the vehicle is parked, but they’re less practical for people viewing a moving vehicle. Never design a campaign that encourages drivers to scan a code while driving.
6. Leave Enough White Space
White space is the empty area around your text and graphics.
It helps separate important information and makes the design easier to understand.
Avoid filling the entire magnet with logos, photographs, service lists, and promotional messages.
A simple design with three clear elements can be more readable than one with ten competing details.
7. Match Your Other Marketing Materials
Your car magnet should look like it belongs to the same business as your website, business cards, and other printed materials.
Use consistent colors, typography, and logos.
For example, a home service company could pair its vehicle magnets with custom business cards that feature the same branding.
This creates a more recognizable identity across different customer interactions.
Car Magnet Design Ideas by Business Type
Different businesses need different information on their vehicle magnets.
Here are several practical examples.
Cleaning Service Car Magnets
Headline: A Cleaner Home Starts Here
Supporting text: Residential & Office Cleaning
Contact: Business phone number
Use a simple logo, fresh colors, and a clear phone number.
Avoid listing every cleaning package or service option.
For neighborhood marketing, you can also use custom door hangers to introduce your services to nearby households.
Landscaping Business Car Magnets
Headline: Lawn Care & Landscaping
Supporting text: Maintenance • Mulching • Seasonal Cleanup
Contact: Phone number or website
Green and neutral colors can reinforce the outdoor theme, but make sure the text stands out against the background.
Contractor Car Magnets
Headline: Home Repairs & Remodeling
Supporting text: Local Residential Services
Contact: Business phone number
A bold, straightforward layout can help potential customers understand your services quickly.
Consider pairing vehicle magnets with custom flyers that explain your services in greater detail.
Real Estate Agent Car Magnets
Headline: Your Local Real Estate Expert
Supporting text: Buying • Selling • Home Valuations
Contact: Agent website or phone number
Use a professional logo and consistent brand colors.
You can also reinforce the same message through real estate postcards sent to neighborhoods where you work.
Mobile Pet Grooming Car Magnets
Headline: Mobile Pet Grooming
Supporting text: Convenient Grooming at Your Door
Contact: Booking website
A simple pet illustration can help communicate the service immediately.
Keep the artwork large enough to recognize without overwhelming the text.
Where Should You Place Car Magnets?
The most common placement is on a smooth, flat section of a vehicle door.
However, not every door or vehicle panel is suitable.
Before applying your magnet, check that:
- The surface is magnetic.
- The panel is smooth and relatively flat.
- The entire magnet can make contact with the surface.
- The magnet doesn’t overlap trim, handles, or body lines.
- The surface is clean and dry.
- The magnet doesn’t obstruct windows, lights, reflectors, or vehicle identification.
Avoid placing magnets on highly curved surfaces or panels made from aluminum or fiberglass.
It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for recently painted or waxed vehicles.
How to Apply a Car Magnet Correctly
Start by cleaning both the magnet and the vehicle surface with a mild detergent.
Allow both surfaces to dry completely.
Position the magnet on the selected panel and smooth it down so all corners and edges lie flat.
If you need to reposition it, lift the magnet completely before placing it again rather than dragging it across the paint.
For detailed application and maintenance instructions, refer to Overnight Prints’ car magnet care guidelines.
How to Prepare Your Car Magnet Design for Printing
Once you’ve selected the size and completed your artwork, prepare the file according to the printer’s specifications.
For Overnight Prints, car magnets are printed on 12 mil magnetic material with a protective UV gloss coating.
Overnight Prints Car Magnet Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Available finished sizes | 11″ × 8.5″ and 17″ × 11″ |
| Material | 12 mil magnetic stock |
| Coating | Protective UV gloss |
| Recommended color mode | CMYK |
| Recommended resolution | 300 dpi |
| Accepted file formats | TIF, PSD, PDF, PNG, JPG, EPS, AI |
Understand Bleed and Safe Zones
Bleed is the extra artwork that extends beyond the finished edge of a printed product.
Safe zones help keep important information away from areas that may be trimmed.
Overnight Prints provides the following dimensions:
| Finished Magnet Size | Full Bleed Size | Safe Zone |
| 11″ × 8.5″ | 11.125″ × 8.625″ | 10.875″ × 8.375″ |
| 17″ × 11″ | 17.125″ × 11.125″ | 16.875″ × 10.875″ |
Extend background colors and images to the full bleed dimensions.
Keep important text, logos, and contact information inside the safe zone.
For exact setup instructions, use the Overnight Prints Start Files.
You can also read our How to Prepare Files for Printing guide for more information about resolution, bleed, and file preparation.
How to Care for Your Business Car Magnets
Proper care helps keep your car magnets looking professional and reduces the risk of damage to the magnet or vehicle surface.
Clean Your Magnets Regularly
Remove your magnets periodically to clean dirt and moisture from both the magnetic backing and vehicle surface.
Use a mild detergent and allow everything to dry before reapplying.
Remove Magnets Before a Car Wash
Always remove car magnets before using an automatic car wash.
Water pressure, brushes, and other equipment can dislodge or damage them.
Avoid Prolonged Heat Exposure
Don’t place magnets on vehicle hoods or roofs exposed to direct heat.
Prolonged sunlight can also contribute to fading.
Store Magnets Properly
When not in use, store magnets flat or gently rolled according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Avoid sharp folds or creases.
For vehicles with newly painted or waxed surfaces, follow the waiting periods specified by the magnet manufacturer before applying a magnetic sign.
Car Magnets vs. Permanent Vehicle Graphics
Car magnets and permanent vehicle graphics both display business information, but they serve different needs.
| Feature | Car Magnets | Permanent Vehicle Graphics |
| Installation | Removable magnetic attachment | Applied directly to the vehicle |
| Flexibility | Can be removed or repositioned | Usually intended for longer-term use |
| Vehicle compatibility | Requires a suitable magnetic surface | Depends on graphic material and vehicle surface |
| Design area | Limited to available magnet dimensions | May cover larger vehicle areas |
| Best for | Flexible, temporary, or part-time business branding | Long-term vehicle branding |
Car magnets are particularly useful for businesses that share vehicles between personal and professional use.
However, permanent graphics may be more suitable when a vehicle doesn’t have an appropriate magnetic panel or requires a larger branded display.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Magnet Sizes
What is the standard size for a business car magnet?
Common sizes include 11″ × 8.5″ and 17″ × 11″. Both are available from Overnight Prints. The best choice depends on your vehicle’s available door space and the amount of information in your design.
What size car magnet is best for a small business?
An 11″ × 8.5″ magnet can work well for simple branding, while a 17″ × 11″ magnet provides more room for a prominent logo, service description, and contact information.
Will car magnets stick to every vehicle?
No. Car magnets require compatible magnetic metal surfaces. They generally won’t attach to aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic panels. Test the intended area before ordering.
What should I put on a business car magnet?
Include your business name or logo, a short description of your main service, and one clear contact method. Keep the design simple and easy to read.
Can I put a car magnet on a curved door?
Car magnets work best on smooth, flat surfaces. Slight curves may be acceptable if the entire magnet lies flush, but pronounced curves can prevent secure attachment.
How thick are Overnight Prints car magnets?
Overnight Prints car door magnets are printed on 12 mil magnetic material with a protective UV gloss coating.
Can I remove and reuse my car magnet?
Yes. Car magnets are designed to be removable and reusable when handled, cleaned, and stored properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the risk of damage.
Do I need to remove car magnets before washing my vehicle?
Yes. Remove car magnets before going through a car wash, and clean both the magnet and vehicle surface regularly.
Create Professional Car Magnets for Your Business
Choosing the right car magnet size starts with understanding your vehicle, your message, and the space available for your design.
For small businesses, 11″ × 8.5″ and 17″ × 11″ magnets offer two practical options for displaying a logo, service description, and contact information.
Keep the layout simple, use readable typography, choose strong color contrast, and follow the correct printing specifications.
Whether you’re a contractor, cleaning professional, real estate agent, or local service provider, a thoughtfully designed car magnet can help people recognize your business wherever your vehicle goes.
Ready to create your own? Explore custom car magnet printing at Overnight Prints to choose your size, customize a design, and prepare your next vehicle advertising project.
