Did you know 64% of Canadians trust a business more if it uses vehicle decals? If your organization is buying a wheelchair van or a mobile medical unit, choosing the right branding matters. Maybe you’re feeling stuck between vehicle decals and vehicle wraps. If your vehicle doesn’t clearly show who you are, people might not notice you.
That could make it harder to reach the people who need your help most. Imagine having a vehicle that everyone knows right away. It helps build trust quickly. People see your brand, know you’re there to help, and feel safe and confident.
At MoveMobility, we’ve spent over 20 years helping Canadian organizations make healthcare and transportation easier for everyone. We make wheelchair vans and mobile medical units because we know they help save lives. Of course, we understand you have other options out there, too.
In this article, you’ll easily learn what the difference between vehicle decals and vehicle wraps is, including:
- The difference between vehicle decals and wraps
- Pros and cons of each option
- How to pick the right choice for your organization
Vehicle decals vs vehicle wraps: How are they different?
If you’re confused about the difference between vehicle decals and vehicle wraps, you’re not alone. A lot of people think they’re basically the same thing. But actually, there are some key differences to keep in mind when choosing branding for your wheelchair van or mobile medical unit.
Vehicle decals are stickers printed on vinyl. These decals can come in lots of shapes and sizes. Maybe your organization just wants a simple logo on the door. Or you might prefer your slogan and website on the back. Either way, custom vehicle decals are usually smaller. They don’t cover your whole vehicle. Decals are meant to highlight your brand in just a few places. Sometimes people call this a decaled vehicle.
Vehicle wraps are different. Think of wraps as large sheets of vinyl film that cover all or most of your vehicle. They’re printed with colourful graphics and completely change how your van looks. Vehicle wrapping turns your wheelchair van or medical unit into a big, moving billboard. With automotive vehicle wraps, you can show off your brand’s colours, pictures, or a detailed message.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Vehicle decals:
- Smaller stickers with logos or messages
- Cover small areas, not the whole vehicle
- Good for simple, clear branding
- Vehicle wraps:
- Large vinyl sheets covering most or all of the vehicle
- Bold, colourful graphics and detailed images
- Turns your vehicle into a rolling advertisement
Understanding the difference between vehicle decals and vehicle wraps helps you make the right choice. Knowing how each type of branding works makes deciding easier. Let’s explore some pros and cons of each option in more detail to see what’s best for your organization.
What are the pros and cons of vehicle decals vs. vehicle wraps?
You now know the difference between vehicle decals and wraps. But you might be wondering: Which option is best for our wheelchair van or mobile medical unit? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.
Vehicle decals
Pros:
- Lower cost: Vehicle decals are usually less expensive. If you’re watching your budget, decals might be easier on your wallet.
- Quick to install: Applying decals doesn’t take long. Your wheelchair van can be branded quickly and get back out there helping people sooner.
- Easy to replace: If you change your logo or slogan, custom vehicle decals can easily be updated or swapped out.
Cons:
- Limited coverage: Decals don’t cover much space. They might not grab attention from far away.
- Less durable: Because they’re smaller and thinner, decals can peel or fade faster in tough weather.
Vehicle wraps
Pros:
- High visibility: Automotive vehicle wraps turn your van into a moving billboard. People easily notice bold vehicle wrap colours and detailed designs.
- Protective layer: Vehicle wraps protect the paint underneath, keeping your wheelchair van looking new longer.
- Long-lasting: Wraps usually last for several years, even in tough Canadian weather.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Vehicle wrapping is more expensive upfront. If the budget is tight, wraps might not be practical.
- Takes more time to install: Wrapping a whole vehicle can take days, meaning your mobile medical unit might be off the road longer.
- Harder to change: If your branding needs updating frequently, wraps are harder and costlier to replace.
Think carefully about these points. Consider your budget, how often your branding changes, and how visible you want to be. This will help you choose between vehicle decals and wraps for your organization. Next, we’ll dive a little deeper into how you can decide which is the right option for your organization.
Should you choose a vehicle decal or a vehicle wrap?
Deciding between vehicle decals and vehicle wraps can feel tricky. But it doesn’t have to be hard. Let’s talk through a few examples to help you decide what’s best for your wheelchair van or mobile medical unit.
Vehicle decals might be the right choice if:
- You’re on a tighter budget: If your funds are limited, decals are cheaper. Maybe you’re a small healthcare provider just starting out. Custom vehicle decals let you brand your vehicle clearly without overspending.
- You like flexibility: If your logo or messages change often, decals make updates easy. Let’s say your organization often promotes seasonal health campaigns. Decals allow you to swap branding quickly and affordably.
- You prefer simple branding: If you want a clean, straightforward look, decals keep things simple. For example, a wheelchair van used mostly for private transportation might just need a small logo or phone number.
Vehicle wraps could be best if:
- You want maximum visibility: Wraps grab attention easily. Maybe your mobile medical unit travels across cities and towns offering services. Bright vehicle wrap colours and bold graphics make sure people notice your van.
- Your brand is stable and long-term: If your branding doesn’t change much, wraps are a smart choice. Perhaps you run an established healthcare service with a logo and message you plan to keep for years. Vehicle wrapping lets you showcase your identity clearly, consistently, and professionally.
- You need extra durability: If your vehicle spends lots of time outdoors in Canada’s harsh weather, wraps protect your van’s paint better than decals.
Think about what matters most to your organization. Budget, visibility, and flexibility will help you decide if vehicle decals or wraps are right for you.
Got any questions about vehicle decals or vehicle wraps?
You came here trying to understand the difference between vehicle decals and wraps and how each could impact the look, feel, and trust in your wheelchair van or mobile medical unit. Maybe you were feeling stuck, unsure what would give your organization the visibility it needs without blowing the budget.
Here’s what you learned:
- Vehicle decals are smaller, simple, and flexible for changing messages
- Vehicle wraps are bold, full-coverage, and better for long-term branding
- The right choice depends on your budget, goals, and how visible you want to be
At MoveMobility, we work with organizations across Canada that care deeply about helping people get where they need to safely, comfortably, and with dignity. We know how branding plays a big part in that mission. After all, your van symbolizes trust and support in the communities you serve. If you have questions, just click the button below to chat with one of our mobility experts. We’re here to help.
If you’re not ready to talk to a mobility expert yet, we have a few other resources you might want to check out first.
Start by checking out our article on mobile medical vans vs. buses. If your organization is deciding which type of vehicle to go with, this resource should give you some guidance.
At this point, you might also be considering mobile medical RVs. To learn more, check out our comparison article on that.
FAQ about vehicle decals and vehicle wraps
Q: Can we remove vehicle decals or wraps if our branding changes later?
A: Yes, both options can be removed without damaging your vehicle’s paint if they were applied properly. Decals come off faster, while wraps take more time. This is helpful if your program name or logo updates down the road.
Q: Do decals or wraps work on wheelchair vans and mobile medical units?
A: They sure do. Vehicle decals and wraps can be designed to fit any type of van, big or small. Whether you’re using a Ram Promaster, Ford Transit, or a custom mobile unit, there’s a solution that fits your vehicle’s shape and surface.
Q: Are there any rules in Canada about what we can or can’t put on a vehicle wrap?
A: Most places in Canada allow decals and wraps with no issues. But if your design includes reflective material or covers windows, it’s a good idea to check local regulations. This matters more if your vehicle operates across provinces.
Q: Should we design the wrap ourselves or hire a pro?
A: You can design it in-house, but we recommend working with a professional, especially for wraps. A designer will make sure the logo, text, and colours line up well with the curves and size of your vehicle so it looks clean and easy to read. Our team at MoveMobility takes care of that process so you don’t have to.
Q: How long before our van is ready to hit the road with the new look?
A: Decals can often be installed in one day, while complete vehicle wraps may take longer for printing and installation. If you need a quick turnaround, decals may be the faster option.
