Why Do License Plates Fall Off When Driving Through Water?
1 Answers
License plates are prone to falling off when vehicles drive through water, primarily due to three factors: installation method, material, and water flow. Below is a detailed explanation: Installation Method: Generally, license plates are secured with only two screws, which is often related to the narrow and protruding design of the car's bumper. Many vehicle models have bumpers that are not wide enough, featuring only two fixing holes for the license plate. This results in the license plate being installed in a suspended state, with no screws securing the lower part. Material: The license plate is typically mounted on the bumper, which is mostly made of modified polypropylene material. While this type of bumper provides cushioning during collisions, is lightweight, and helps reduce fuel consumption, it can deform under external force when impacted. When driving, rapid water flow can pull the screws out of the deformed bumper, causing the license plate to fall off. Water Flow: There is often a certain gap between the license plate and the bumper. When a vehicle drives through water, the water impact on the bumper is obstructed, causing it to surge upward and squeeze into the gap, generating an outward force that pushes against the license plate. As the vehicle moves through the water, this pushing force causes the plate to sway back and forth, eventually leading to the license plate being washed away by the water.
