What to do if the license plate fixing screw hole is damaged?

[BradyDella]

DMV replacement or rivet fixing: If the hole for the license plate fixing screw is damaged, you can go to the DMV for a replacement or use rivets to re-fix the license plate. You can also dismantle it, weld a bolt, apply anti-rust coating, or offset the screw hole position and drill a hole in the license plate. Below is relevant information: 1. Replacing screws: If you need to replace screws, go directly to the DMV to apply for them. However, it's important to note that screws in each province, city, and region have special identifiers, and you must not install them randomly. For example, license plate screws in Shenzhen all have the "Yue B" identifier, and vehicles from other regions cannot use them. 2. Requirements: All factory vehicles must be equipped with 4 fixed seals. Within the normal range, vehicles with either 2 or 4 fixed seals are acceptable, and you won't be penalized or fined for having only 2 instead of 4. It is only a violation if the license plate has 4 fixed seal positions but the owner only installs 2 screws. For not installing the vehicle license plate number as required, a one-time deduction of 12 points may be applied.

[Alves]

I often help friends with car repairs, and broken license plate screw holes are quite common, mainly due to rust corrosion or over-tightening of the screws. The first step in dealing with it is to carefully check the extent of the damage: if the hole is only slightly deformed or corroded, you can try filling and reinforcing it with epoxy resin first, then slightly enlarging the hole and replacing it with a larger screw for re-fixing. But if the hole is completely cracked, you'll have to remove the entire license plate bracket and use professional tools to repair it or replace it with a new bracket. I have to remind you not to underestimate this detail—if the license plate isn't securely fastened and comes loose due to road bumps, you could be fined by traffic police, and it might even damage the car behind you. Regularly cleaning rust during car washes can prevent this issue—I often spray some rust inhibitor on my own car. If you're unsure about the situation, the safest option is to drive to a repair shop and let a professional take a look.

[LaFinn]

Speaking of broken license plate screw holes, as a car owner with over a decade of driving experience, let me share some firsthand knowledge. Once when the holes on my old license plate rusted through, I tried a temporary fix by using strong double-sided tape to secure the plate for a couple of days before finding time for proper repairs. For a permanent solution: if the hole isn't completely damaged, you can use a specialized reamer to widen it slightly and secure it more firmly with steel expansion screws; if the hole is cracked, simply replacing the mounting bracket costs just around a hundred yuan. Honestly, such minor issues should be addressed promptly - losing your plate on the highway would be a major headache. This reminds me that other mounting points like bumper brackets can fail similarly, so regular checks for loose screws are advisable. My advice? Don't procrastinate - aside from disrupting your travel plans, it could create safety hazards.

[SanWillow]

I've also encountered the issue of screw holes getting damaged on my own car, simply put, it's due to severe rust or over-tightened screws. The temporary fix is easy: use a thicker nylon zip tie to secure the license plate to the bumper hole by tying a knot, or apply some hot melt adhesive for reinforcement. However, for a long-term solution, you need to clean the rust and drill a new hole, remembering to use stainless steel screws to prevent rust. Don't be careless—losing a license plate violates traffic regulations, so always check the fastening points when parking. To prevent this, brush the screws during car washes and keep them dry.

[MacCassidy]

As an experienced driver, I remind you not to ignore broken license plate screw holes. Common causes include metal aging in the hole area or rust from water ingress. For temporary fixes, try simple methods: use tape or metal clips to secure the license plate temporarily to avoid fines or accidents if it falls off while driving. If the hole is completely damaged, you'll need to replace the mounting bracket, which is usually a quick and inexpensive fix at a repair shop. I believe safety comes first – similar issues like loose headlight mounts can also occur, so regular maintenance is crucial.

[Carson]

I love DIY car repairs, and the way to fix a stripped screw hole is to get hands-on! When the hole is slightly damaged, I use an electric drill to enlarge it, insert an expansion bolt, and then screw in a new screw. If the hole is severely cracked, I buy a metal repair kit to glue it in place and then drill to reinforce it. The tools are cheap, costing only a few dozen dollars, but remember to wear gloves and be careful not to drill into other parts of the car body. For prevention, avoiding parking in damp places can reduce the risk of rust.