Why Are License Plates More Likely to Get Lost in the Rain?

[AshlynLee]

License plates are generally installed on the front bumper. To better protect pedestrians in the event of a collision, they are mostly made of plastic materials such as polyester fiber or modified polypropylene. When subjected to water flow impact, the license plate can be pulled off. Preventing License Plate Loss in the Rain: Enhance the car's alarm system; Park the car in a secure parking lot, such as a gated community or a parking lot equipped with surveillance cameras; Currently, there is a type of anti-theft nut on the market, also known as a "rivet." The screws used to fix license plates can be easily unscrewed, but the outer cover of these anti-theft nuts is made of stainless steel, making them very hard to pry open unless a drill is used. They are a great help in preventing license plate theft. When passing through waterlogged roads, first check the depth of the water. If the waves pushed up by the vehicle do not submerge the license plate, it is safe to proceed. Drive slowly through waterlogged sections and check afterward to ensure the license plate hasn't fallen off. It's best to use four screws for the front plate, and a bolt-and-nut fastening method is even better, as it can more effectively prevent the license plate from falling off when passing through waterlogged roads. Replacing a Lost License Plate: Vehicle registration certificate, the original ID card of the vehicle owner and a copy, and fill out the "Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form" at the vehicle management office. If the lost license plate belongs to a company vehicle, the organization code certificate must also be provided.

[OJonathan]

Ah, this is a question I often get asked. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, let me share some personal insights. License plates tend to fall off more easily during rainy days, largely because rainwater and mud loosen the mounting screws. Normally, the constant jostling on the road makes screws prone to loosening, and when heavy rain hits, the water flow impacts the plate—especially at high speeds, where the water acts like tiny hammers pounding away. Over time, the screws can come loose. Additionally, many car license plate brackets aren’t designed to be very sturdy, and cheaper ones wear out quickly at the mounting points. After getting wet, metal rusts at the connection points, drastically reducing their grip. My advice is to wash your car promptly after rain to remove mud and regularly tighten the screws every few months—this should mostly prevent issues. Also, when parking, choose higher ground to avoid water pooling around the lower part of the plate. These small habits can significantly reduce the risk of losing your plate. In short, rain amplifies all loosening issues, so frequent checks are key.

[IslaFitz]

As an ordinary car owner who enjoys studying vehicles, I've noticed that license plates tend to fall off during rainy days mainly because rainwater makes the mounting areas wet and slippery, reducing friction. When driving on the road, mud and water splashed up by the tires accumulate on the license plate bracket over time, clogging the mounting holes and preventing the screws from staying tight. Additionally, the humidity during rain accelerates corrosion of metal components, enlarging the gaps between the bracket and screws, causing them to loosen with even slight vibrations. After checking post-rain, I found rust around the screws, proving that water and air work together to weaken the metal. Another detail: heavy rain increases the overall weight of the car, adding to the shaking pressure. The solution is to choose rust-resistant mounting hardware or add a buffer washer. It's advisable to develop the habit of wiping the license plate and bracket dry after each rain—it takes just a few minutes but can prevent a lot of trouble.

[MelanieMarie]

From a material perspective, license plates on vehicles are prone to loosening and falling off in rainy conditions primarily because moisture can corrode and soften metal joints. License plates are typically made of metal or plastic, which can expand or contract when soaked by rainwater, damaging the fixation points. For example, screws and brackets fit tightly when dry, but during rainy days, moisture seeps into the gaps, triggering oxidation reactions that cause rust, leading to the wearing down of screw threads and eventual failure. Additionally, the force of flowing water disperses the fixing strength, acting like an external booster when the vehicle is in motion. For prevention, prioritize using stainless steel fittings to avoid corrosion, and ensure all interfaces are tightly sealed during installation to prevent water seepage. A simple maintenance solution is regular cleaning and upkeep with WD-40 rust remover to extend the lifespan of the components.