Replacement Number Plates

With winter upon us and road conditions worsening it is not surprising that more number plates are replaced during this time of year.

Whether it is through wear and tear, thawing due to freezing conditions or simply an accident it is crucial you can quickly and efficiently replace the flawed number plate.

This is required by law if the registration mark is unreadable or broken so that only part of the original remains. You will find they are either attached one of two ways, with conventional screw kits or the new and preferred sticky pads.

To remove the screws it simply requires you to unscrew the current fixings and replace the plate. To attach your new plates simply use the holes which held the old plate in position and mark on the new plate where they will hold it. Once aligned, fix the new plate to your car using your marks as your guide.

However since sticky pads have been introduced it has reduced a lot of the damage caused to plates which drilling can bring about. You no longer have to face the problem of potential cracking and splitting the number plates. This is making them a much more viable option as it decreases the chances of the plate getting damaged and adds years to your number plates life and it looks much better also.

The key to loosening the adhesive is primarily with heat. Believe it or not a hairdryer will give off more than enough heat to loosen the bond between the pad and the plate! If you can’t get a hairdryer to your plate then we suggest a good soaking in some hot soapy water, this should reduce the pads glue and allow you to get a blade behind and loosen the pads grip on the plate. This will allow you to then prise it from the bumper.

Once all the old pads are removed thoroughly clean and dry the area before looking to put on the new plates. This is essential as the sticky pads depend upon a quality and clean surface to do their job.

To apply the new plates attach six pads per plate. Make sure you place the sticky pads horizontal as well as vertical as this will help keep the plates secure.

Written by Plates for Cars
16th January 2009