car wash = bent license plate

[zmilin]

Anyone have a solution to the constantly bending license plate every time I take it through a car wash?

I tried bending it back to contour the bumper but it still gets caught and bent up.
I considered a metal (stainless) frame but then thought "what if it catches that and rips the plate mount off". The plate mount is only held on by two screws.

 

[Jemplyr77]

I live in a state that does not require front plates however I rent a lot of cars for work and those that have the front plate almost always are like that. I think it is a common occurance with automatic car washes. I think a plate frame would definitely help.

 

[msp]

Anyone have a solution to the constantly bending license plate every time I take it through a car wash?

I tried bending it back to contour the bumper but it still gets caught and bent up.
I considered a metal (stainless) frame but then thought "what if it catches that and rips the plate mount off". The plate mount is only held on by two screws.

Yep. Go to a different car wash. I'm assuming it's not a touchless car wash and big brushes, for lack of a better word, are involved. I stopped going to one that was bending my front plate consistently.

Problem solved.

 

[Brick Sprickly]

Wash your car yourself.

 

[rageandlove]

While I second washing yourself, that’s not always possible or people might not have a place to do that. In which case, I suggest a different mounting location:

 

[Charlievee]

Avoid the scratch applicators

 

[Blu42]

bolt down the bottom of the plate. strong 3M maybe. never had this issue. tell ur carwash to chill the f out.

 

[Brick Sprickly]

While I second washing yourself, that’s not always possible or people might not have a place to do that. In which case, I suggest a different mounting location:

Honestly when I first saw this thread I was like 'I've seen a solution here before' and mentally referenced our discussion the other day hah.

 

[mrblah]

just buy a plastic or aluminum license plate frame, that way if something gets caught it will destroy your frame and not your plate.

 

[mbumpus11]

Honestly when I first saw this thread I was like 'I've seen a solution here before' and mentally referenced our discussion the other day hah.

Can't do this solution if you have a grille mounted light bar though

 

[nglayton]

Find a new car wash.

I generally run through the Autowash 2-3 times a month. Never once has the plate been caught or bent.

Find a new car wash. Did I mention find a new car wash?

 

[IanB]

Only ever touchless automatic carwashes when you can't find time for a wand wash, never the ones with brushes that touch your vehicle.

 

[YBstranded]

Meh... Having a roof rack with an axe and shovel mounted means I have said good bye to automatic washes. I do miss the convenience, though.

That said, I have never had one damage my front plate.

 

[thennen]

Anyone have a solution to the constantly bending license plate every time I take it through a car wash?

I tried bending it back to contour the bumper but it still gets caught and bent up.
I considered a metal (stainless) frame but then thought "what if it catches that and rips the plate mount off". The plate mount is only held on by two screws.

If your license plate is getting bent, imagine what's happening to the paint. Better yet, take a look. I bet it's slowly getting buffed to a dull haze, unevenly. Spider webs everywhere. Personally, I only use the hand-wand method. The only thing that touches the paint is water/soap, and then the microfiber cloth afterward when I wax. If I can't get to it for awhile, leaving the dirt on there is better than scrubbing it off, IMO.

 

[rageandlove]

True, but long-term plan is light bar in new bumper. Possibilities are endless.

Can't do this solution if you have a grille mounted light bar though

 

[RPS99SHO]

This is what those car washes are doing to your paint.