Why Are License Plates Easily Washed Away by Water?
3 Answers
When a vehicle passes through water, the front bumper lifts the water, creating an external force that impacts the license plate, bending it. When this force exceeds the maximum load capacity of the nut base, the nut is forcibly pulled out of the plastic, ultimately causing the front license plate to fall off. Below is some relevant information about license plates: 1. Introduction: License plates, commonly known as vehicle plates, refer to the plates mounted on the front and rear of a vehicle. They are typically made of aluminum, sheet metal, plastic, or paper, and display the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other related information. 2. Function: License plates serve as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles. Their primary purpose is to identify the vehicle's region of registration and allow access to the vehicle owner and registration details through the license plate number.
I believe license plates are easily washed away mainly due to material and design issues. Standard license plates are made of metal or plastic, which are lightweight and have smooth surfaces without anti-slip grooves, making them prone to slipping off when hit by water flow. Additionally, they have few fixing points, with only a few screw holes, so strong water impacts like floods or high-pressure car washes can directly push the plate off its mount. Moreover, screws may corrode or loosen over time, and without regular checks, the plate can become wobbly and fly off at the slightest water contact. I've seen news reports of many cars losing plates during heavy rain for similar reasons. I recommend car owners regularly check screw tightness and consider using anti-theft screws or reinforcement accessories to reduce accidental risks. This small issue affects driving safety and shouldn't be overlooked.
My license plate has been washed away by water twice, both times when driving through deep water in the rain or during car washes. The water flow was too strong, and the screws weren't tight enough, so a slight push made it fall off. Older cars with rusty screws are even more prone to this issue. Now, I've developed a habit of checking if the license plate is loose before heading out. Usually, there are only two or three screws for fixation, and water can push through the gaps from the sides. The pressure from car wash machines is especially strong—plastic license plates can float away with just one spray. I think the main reason is daily negligence and laziness in checking. Losing a license plate means a hassle of going to the DMV for a replacement. So, I recommend switching to stainless steel screws or adding waterproof washers to prevent rust from water accumulation. Simple maintenance can save a lot of trouble.
