Can I use magnets on a car?

As a general rule, we do not provide recommendations for the use of magnets on or inside a moving car. Below, we outline potential applications and and evaluate them within their respective contexts.

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Note from the supermagnete team: As a general rule, we do not recommend attaching magnets to a moving vehicle. If a magnet were to detach while the vehicle is in motion, it could put you, other road users or pedestrians in grave danger. Therefore, any such use is undertaken entirely at your own risk and responsibility.

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.

Outfitting a car with magnetic band and magnetic foil lettering

Our products are explicitly not suitable 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 magnets have 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 discs offer 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::

Note from the supermagnete team:
Please note that, as a general rule, the attachment of magnets within the interior of a car or camper van is intended solely for use while the vehicle is stationary. Should magnets detach whilst the vehicle is in motion, it could endanger you, other road users or pedestrians.

The situation may be assessed differently for applications in enclosed interior areas of a camper van, for example if a magnet is used inside a cupboard and cannot move uncontrollably within the vehicle when the brakes are applied. Nevertheless, any such use is undertaken entirely at your own risk and responsibility.

Magnets for campers, vans and motorhomes

Don't just use magnets on your car; take advantage of their many possibilities in your camper or van. At the campsite, for instance, you can attach shade cloths or clotheslines to your camper with magnets. Magnets also make it easy to secure drawers and prevent items from falling out. On our FAQ page Which magnets are suitable for use in campers / caravans?, we explain what to consider when selecting magnets. There, you will also find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the use of magnets in campers and caravans.

On the silwy brand page, you will find a wide range of magnetic products suitable for use in campers or vans. Discover magnetic glasses, tableware sets, and other clever everyday accessories that help you make the most of the limited space in your camper, van, or motorhome.