Why Do License Plates Fall Off When Driving Through Water?
1 Answers
License plates tend to fall off when driving through water due to three main factors: installation method, material, and water flow. The details are as follows: 1. Installation Method: Many people prefer adding frames to their license plates, which often prevents the proper installation of the bottom two screws. Typically, license plates are secured with only two screws, primarily because many car bumpers are narrow and protrude forward. The limited width of these bumpers means they often only have two mounting holes for the license plate, leaving the plate in a suspended state with no screws at the bottom. 2. Material: License plates are usually mounted on the bumper, which is commonly made of modified polypropylene. While this material provides cushioning during collisions, is lightweight, and helps reduce fuel consumption, it can deform under external force. When driving through water, the rapid flow can pull the screws out of the deformed bumper, causing the plate to fall off. 3. Water Flow: There is often a gap between the license plate and the bumper. When a vehicle drives through water, the water hitting the bumper is forced upward and into this gap, creating an outward pushing force on the plate. As the vehicle moves through the water, this force causes the plate to wobble back and forth, eventually leading to it being washed away.
