Fastest Growing Private Companies in America
8 Industries That Use Car Decals for Advertising
Article Date: January 12, 2025Businesses that incorporate car decals into their marketing strategy can improve their brand visibility and reach a diverse audience. These durable, weather-proof stickers can turn sedans, trucks, vans, and buses into eye-catching mobile billboards.
Although car decals are effective in almost all businesses, they are particularly popular in certain industries that need durable, affordable, and highly customizable promotional tools. Companies that operate a commercial fleet and small businesses that use vehicles as part of their day-to-day operations can also benefit from these “outdoor stickers.”
- Small and Local Businesses
Small and local businesses, such as restaurants, retail stores, service providers, and contractors often find car decals as cost-effective advertising tools that allow them to reach a broader audience.
Another notable appeal of car decals is their affordability. They only require a one-time investment (translation: no monthly ad space fee) and do not need a professional installation, unlike vehicle wraps. You only need to clean and dry the vehicle surface before the application and use a squeegee (or an old credit card or something similar) to put the decal smoothly and avoid air bubbles. - Real Estate
Car decals appeal to realtors, who are always on the lookout for buyers and sellers of properties. Thus, they typically include their contact details in the design, while others highlight their promotions like “Free Home Evaluation.”
If you need to incorporate text and numerals into your car decals, make legibility your top priority. Use simple fonts like Helvetica, Georgia, or Verdana that are easy to read even while the vehicle is moving and create a significant color contrast between the text and background.
A simple design can help you communicate your core message quickly and effectively, so avoid using design elements that add visual clutter to your decals. - Transportation and Delivery
Businesses that operate a commercial fleet such as transportation, logistics, and delivery companies need their vehicles to look consistent with the brand. Car decals present unique opportunities to these businesses by transforming their trucks, vans, and trailers into mobile ads.
It is critical to incorporate a company’s visual brand identity into the car decal design to make the vehicles easily identifiable, which in turn, helps them earn their customers’ trust.
Commercial fleets are often on the road, which means car decals are frequently exposed to rain, sunlight, wind, and other elements. Fortunately, they are made of durable, weather-proof materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. - Technology and IT Services
Companies from the tech and IT services industry use vehicles to visit clients who need tech support, repair, or installation services. Thus, they need their vans or trucks to be easily identifiable by customers.
Aside from being cost-effective, many tech companies appreciate the car decal’s high customization. For instance, they can choose from five types of materials: vehicle lettering, clear decals, opaque decals, permanent decals, and perforated decals. - Contractors and Service Providers
Technicians, plumbers, electricians, and other professionals in the home service industry use vans or trucks to do repair and maintenance visits. These professionals need their vehicles to be easily identifiable by their customers.
Since contractors and home service providers need access to houses and buildings to do their jobs, they must present themselves professionally to gain their customers’ trust. Thus, car decals can play an important role in their daily operations. Car decals can also help small and independent contractors present themselves as bona fide professionals, as well-designed decals can help them look more legitimate. - Automotive Industry
The automotive industry uses car decals to announce promotions, services, and special offers. Although other types of vehicle advertisements exist, such as car magnets and full vehicle wraps, decals offer unique benefits.
Car decals are more affordable than full vehicle wraps. Decals are also a better option for long-term use than car magnets (which are primarily suitable for short-term or temporary promotions). - Education
Students and faculty members typically use car decals with their school’s name and logo to show support and “association.” Some universities and colleges, meanwhile, hand out decals that serve as a gate pass for students and teachers.
Certain types of car decals can be applied to windows. They include vehicle lettering, clear decals, perforated decals, and opaque decals (as long as they are small). - Nonprofit Organizations
Vehicle advertising can help nonprofits and charity groups raise awareness about their cause, attract new donors, and engage with the community. However, since many of them have limited marketing budgets, car decals are a great option because they are more affordable than full vehicle wraps and don’t require professional installation. Moreover, car decals allow them to reach a wider audience for a relatively small one-time investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use car decals or car magnets?Car decals are better for long-term use and detailed graphics, while car magnets are more suitable for temporary promotions and short-term campaigns.
Do decals damage car paint?
Assuming the car’s surface is properly maintained (i.e., no rusting or peeling paint), high-quality decals should not cause any damages to your car paint.
How do I install a car decal?
There are two ways to install car decals — dry and wet, and the right method depends on the car decal type. Both methods require cleaning and drying the surface before installation. However, the wet method involves the use of an application solution (three drops of dishwashing liquid to a gallon of warm water) that is sprayed onto the adhesive side of the decal before you apply it to the surface.
What’s the difference between car decals and full vehicle wraps?
Car decals are the better option if you’re looking for a more affordable advertisement and prefer subtle changes in your vehicle. Full vehicle wraps, meanwhile, are more suitable if you want your brand to be identifiable on the road as the material used for this typically covers most of the car’s surface if not all of it.
Are car decals good for advertising?
Yes, car decals are definitely great for advertising because they provide excellent brand exposure without ongoing costs. Additionally, you can reach a broad audience that traditional advertising may not even engage.
Is a car decal just a sticker?
Not really. Although some people use the terms interchangeably, they are different. Car decals are made from durable, weather-proof vinyl with a permanent adhesive, while stickers can be made from paper, BOPP, vinyl, and other materials. Stickers are also not typically weather-proof, unlike car decals that can withstand the elements.
How do I clean a car decal at home?
Clean a car decal as you normally would when you wash the surface of your vehicle — use a soft cloth and soapy water with mild detergent. Avoid pressure washing because it may scratch or lift the edges of the decal.
Conclusion
Car decals appeal to small and local companies, businesses that operate a commercial fleet, and organizations looking for affordable but effective vehicle advertising tools.If you need high-quality car decals, Signs.com can print them using UV-resistant, weather-proof, and durable vinyl. We also offer free design templates, fast turnaround time, and a free PDF proof to allow you approve or make important changes before we print your order.
Related Articles
Curious and want to know more information about signs? Check out this blog post: