Magnetic van signs themselves are designed to sit against suitable vehicle bodywork without the need for adhesives. This means they can be removed without leaving behind the sticky residue associated with some temporary adhesive products.

However, looking after the area underneath your magnetic signs is important.

Dirt, grit and moisture can collect between the sign and the vehicle if it is left in place for long periods. To help protect the paintwork, both the magnetic sign and the surface of your van should be kept clean and dry.

It’s also a good idea to regularly remove your signs rather than treating them as permanent vehicle graphics. This gives you an opportunity to clean underneath them and check both the sign and vehicle surface.

A little regular maintenance can go a long way.

Before applying your magnetic van signs, make sure the area of the vehicle is clean, dry and free from dirt, dust or debris. The back of the magnetic sign should be clean too.

Once in use, remove your signs regularly so that you can clean both surfaces and prevent dirt or moisture from becoming trapped underneath.

You should also remove magnetic signage before taking your vehicle through an automatic car wash. When the signs aren't being used, storing them flat in a clean, dry environment can help prevent them from becoming creased or damaged.

One of the other big questions businesses have is whether magnetic signs are secure enough for a moving vehicle.

A good-quality magnetic vehicle sign should be designed to hold securely when it has been correctly applied to a suitable, clean, flat metal surface. Correct fitting is particularly important, as the entire magnetic surface should sit flat against the vehicle without gaps or raised edges.

Before driving, check that the sign is sitting securely against the bodywork and hasn't been positioned across trims, curves or other areas that prevent full contact.

Top tip: Rounded corners aren’t just a design choice. Rounding the corners of magnetic van signs can help reduce the risk of the edges lifting while the vehicle is moving, particularly at higher speeds. For the best hold, the sign should also be applied completely flat to a clean, suitable metal surface, with no edges sitting over curves, trims or panel gaps.

No – and this is an important consideration before ordering magnetic van signs.

Magnetic signs require a suitable ferrous metal surface to attach to. While many vehicle panels are made from steel, some modern vans and vehicles use materials such as aluminium, plastic, fibreglass or composite panels in certain areas.

The simplest way to check is to test the exact area where you want your sign positioned with a magnet before placing an order.

You should also look for a reasonably flat area of bodywork. Even if a panel is magnetic, pronounced curves, trims and contours can prevent the sign from making full contact with the vehicle.

The lifespan of magnetic van signs will depend on factors including the material used, how frequently they're displayed, weather exposure and how well they're maintained.

Regular cleaning, correct storage and removing your signs when appropriate can all help extend their usable life. If you're planning to keep your vehicle permanently branded for a number of years, it may be worth considering more permanent vehicle graphics instead.

This is why it's important to think about how you intend to use your vehicle before choosing your signage.

For many businesses, magnetic van signs offer a simple way to make better use of a vehicle they already have.

Your van travels to customers, sits outside jobs and passes potential customers every day. Adding your company name, logo, contact details and key services can help turn those journeys into opportunities to increase local brand awareness.

And because magnetic signs can be removed and reused, they provide additional flexibility for businesses that aren't ready – or don't have the need – for permanent vehicle branding.

So, which should you choose?

Magnetic van signs are particularly useful when you need flexibility. For example, you might use the same van for business and personal journeys, drive a leased vehicle or only require branding at certain times.

Permanent vehicle graphics, on the other hand, can be a better choice if you want your business to be visible everywhere you go. From simple vehicle lettering through to partial and full wraps, permanent graphics can turn a van into an eye-catching advertisement for your business.

Ultimately, the right option depends on your vehicle, budget and how often you want your branding to be visible.