Car Magnets vs. Bumper Stickers: Which Is Better?
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The short answer: choose a car magnet if you want to take it off, move it or swap it for a new joke. Choose a bumper sticker if you want a permanent design that stays through every season. Both cost the same at LinuaCars ($11.98 for ready-made designs), so the decision comes down to your car, your surface and how long you want the design to stay.
Car magnet vs. bumper sticker at a glance
| Car magnet | Bumper sticker | |
|---|---|---|
| Removable | Yes, lifts off and can be moved | Not meant to be removed |
| Where it works | Metal surfaces only | Smooth, clean surfaces: metal, plastic or glass |
| Size (LinuaCars) | 10 in x 3 in | 11 in x 3 in |
| Material | Weatherproof vinyl with magnetic backing | Water-resistant vinyl with UV-protective matte laminate |
| Durability | Reusable, wipe clean | Waterproof, scratch-resistant, rated to last 5+ years |
| Care | Take off and wipe the car and the magnet regularly | Brush off dust with a soft, dry cloth |
| Ready-made price | $11.98 | $11.98 |
| Custom price | $13.98 | $13.98 |
Which one for your situation?
| Your situation | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leased car | Magnet | Comes off before you return the car |
| Rental or borrowed car | Magnet | No marks left behind |
| Shared family car | Magnet | Whoever drives decides |
| Plastic bumper | Sticker | Magnets do not stick to plastic |
| Your own car, long term | Sticker | Set it and forget it, rated for 5+ years |
| You love changing the joke | Magnet | Swap in seconds |
| Laptop, water bottle, window | Sticker | Works indoors and outdoors |
When a car magnet is the better choice
- You do not want to commit. Try a design for a month and swap it when you are bored.
- You are protecting resale value. A magnet comes off cleanly before you sell the car.
- You want seasonal humor. A road-trip joke in summer, a cozy one in winter.
Browse our funny car magnets and read how to use one safely.
When a bumper sticker is the better choice
- The surface is not metal. Many modern bumpers are plastic.
- You want it to stay put. Our stickers use a waterproof adhesive and are rated to last 5+ years in all weather.
- You want it everywhere. Stickers work on laptops, bottles and windows, indoors and outdoors.
Browse our funny bumper stickers.
How to place a bumper sticker so it lasts
- Wash and fully dry the spot. Dirt or wax under a sticker keeps it from bonding.
- Peel back a small part of the backing and line up the first edge.
- Press from the center outwards to push out air bubbles.
- Remove the rest of the backing slowly while you press down.
- Gently brush off dust later with a soft, dry cloth, from the center outwards.
Can you remove a bumper sticker later?
Stickers are made to stay, so removal takes patience. A common approach is to warm the sticker gently with a hair dryer, peel slowly from a corner and clean off any leftover adhesive with a cleaner made for car paint. Test it on a small hidden spot first. If you are not sure, ask a body shop. If you expect to change designs, choose a magnet instead.
Use both
Many people mix them: a permanent sticker for the joke they never get tired of, and a magnet for the one that changes with their mood. Several designs, like First Car Energy as a magnet and as a sticker, come in both formats. You can also create your own in the Custom Studio.
A simple way to decide
Ask yourself two questions: Is the spot on my car metal? and Do I want to take it off later?
- Metal and removable: magnet.
- Not metal, or permanent: sticker.
Not sure about the surface? Hold a fridge magnet against it. If it sticks, a car magnet will too.
Frequently asked questions
Do car magnets fall off?
Placed on a clean, flat, metal surface, a magnet stays put. Clean the surface and the back of the magnet before you apply it, and avoid curved or dented spots.
Are they both waterproof?
Both are made for outdoor use. Our magnets are weatherproof vinyl, and our stickers are waterproof with a UV-protective laminate.
Which is cheaper?
At LinuaCars they cost the same: $11.98 for ready-made designs and $13.98 for custom ones. Shipping is free over $35.
How long until it arrives?
Each item is made to order. Production takes 2 to 5 business days and most US orders arrive in 5 to 10 business days.
Still deciding? Design your own in the Custom Studio or read our car magnet buying guide.
