Why Are License Plates Easily Washed Away by Water?

[VonMary]

Not using dedicated license plate screws to secure the plate to the vehicle, but instead placing the plate in a clip that can be easily opened and detached, makes it prone to being washed open by water. Some car owners intentionally do not tighten the screws for easy removal of the license plate. Additionally, if the license plate has been installed for too long, the screws may have loosened without the owner noticing. Below is relevant information: 1. Causes: Some vehicles have narrow front bumpers or concave lower sections, where the installation width of the bumper is less than the width of the license plate. This results in the lower part of the license plate being suspended and unable to adhere to the bumper, making it impossible to tighten the bottom two screws. 2. Precautions: Always check if the license plate fixing nuts are securely fastened before driving through water.

[SanHector]

I often encounter situations where my license plate gets washed away during heavy rain while driving, especially when passing through waterlogged roads, which feels particularly dangerous. The issue lies with the screws securing the license plate—those small screws easily loosen or corrode over time and eventually fail to hold. The force of water should not be underestimated; rainwater impacts the bottom of the plate like a flood, and a lower position makes it more susceptible to force. Worse still, many people opt for cheap, low-quality clips that can't withstand the impact. It's advisable to check the mounting points annually, use anti-loosening screws, or install additional clamping devices. Additionally, preventive maintenance is key—shake the license plate before driving to ensure it's secure, avoiding the embarrassment and safety hazards of losing it in the rain. Spending a little money now can prevent bigger troubles later, like the hassle of retrieving a lost license plate.

[LawsonMarie]

As someone who frequently helps others with car repairs, I've seen too many cases of license plates being washed away by water. The core issue lies in those cheap mounting hardware—the screws are too thin or the plastic brackets too brittle, easily collapsing under strong water flow. Additionally, some bumpers are positioned too low, causing the license plate to bear direct impact when crossing deep water, almost like being pushed off by a water pump. Moreover, some car owners neglect rust on the screws, which weakens the holding strength. I always remind my friends to use automotive-grade 304 stainless steel screws and periodically tighten them with a wrench. Don’t underestimate this issue—water pressure during heavy rain can reach dozens of pounds, enough to pry off a license plate. Make it a habit to check during every car wash; it can save you a lot of trouble and expenses.

[DeRyan]

I've driven trucks for many years and personally experienced license plates being washed away by water. The main reason is insecure fastening; loose screws make it easy for the plate to detach under the force of water flow. The impact of water flow is particularly strong, especially when crossing floods or deep puddles, as the low position of the license plate subjects it to intense force. Simply tightening the screws can solve the problem. Don’t overlook regular checks and maintenance to avoid losing plates again, which could disrupt daily transportation.

[LailaDella]

From a physical perspective, water flow possesses high kinetic energy. When rainwater flows rapidly, the pressure it exerts far exceeds expectations. License plates are typically mounted in low positions, where water flow creates a dam effect, leading to increased dynamic pressure. If the mounting screws cannot withstand this pressure, they fail. Material issues, such as metal screws oxidizing and rusting, reduce their strength, making them prone to being washed away. Adding anti-corrosion washers or opting for stainless steel materials can enhance durability. The direction of water flow can also alter the points of force application, so ensuring the license plate is installed flat to minimize resistance is crucial.