Sep
How do I fit a plate to a car?
You can get a professional to fit your new plate to your car for you if you want. But sometimes, you would prefer to do it yourself, especially if you have already spent money on the reg itself.
Fortunately, fitting a new plate to a car is an easy DIY job - something you can do with basic tools at home. Please note, though, that you need to fit it properly to remain compliant with the law. Failing to do so could land you in trouble later.
In this post, we go through the various steps you need to take to fit a plate to a car. It’s so simple, that even complete novices can do it.
Tools Required
Before you get to work, you’ll need some tools.
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- Electric Drill With 4mm and 6mm bit
Step 1: Remove Your Old Plate
If you already have a plate on your car, you’ll need to remove it first.
Start by taking off the plastic caps that cover the screws that attach the plate to the car’s chassis. Then take your Philips screwdriver and unscrew the bolts underneath. They should come out easily, releasing the plate from the vehicle.
Sometimes, the plate won’t come off, even if you unscrew it fully and take the screws out completely. Usually, this means that the person who fitted it used some kind of adhesive.
If you find the place stuck on, try pulling it away from the vehicle from one corner using incremental force. It should peel off slowly - like a label might from a packet of food.
Don’t pull too hard. If you do, you could crack your existing license plate or damage your vehicle.
Once you remove the old plate, thoroughly clean the area underneath to make way for the new one.
Step 2: Place Your New Plate In The Correct Position
The next step is to take your new plate and position it correctly. In many cases, you will need to drill holes in the right position. Plate suppliers don’t do this because the hole width varies from vehicle to vehicle.
If your old plate came off in one piece, place it squarely over the new one. Then take your drill and drill through your new replacement number plates using the old holes as a guide, so that the new holes are in the right position.
If your old plate didn’t come off in one piece, you may find it hard to find the exact position for the holes. Try piecing the old plate back together and place it over the new one. Then take a marker and mark where the holes should be before drilling.
Step 3: Drill Your Holes
When drilling the holes, be sure to place a piece of scrap wood directly underneath to prevent damage to the reg’s acrylic coating. Also, take your time when drilling. Do it patiently. Trying to force the drill bit through the plastic too quickly could the back of it or even cause it to crack. If you have chosen 3D gel or 4D letters do not drill through or close to the letters.
Step 4: Attach The Plate To The Vehicle
The last step is to attach the plate to the vehicle. Once you drill the holes, line the plate up so that it corresponds to the holes on the vehicle’s chassis. Then take the screws and insert them by hand into both holes to keep the plate in the right position. After you do that, take your screwdriver and twist until the screws are tight. Don’t overtighten as this could damage the acrylic material that comprises the plate.
Attach Your Quick Plates Without Drilling
For some people, using a drill makes them nervous. If you’re worried about this, you can use an alternative method using double-sided sticky tape. This method works just as well as using screws, so long as you use regulation-approved automotive tape for the purpose.
Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
- Clean the area behind the old plate as best you can. If possible, remove any stick residues from the chassis of the car as these may interfere with the ability of the automotive tape to stick
- Next, attach four strips of sticky tape to the rear of your new plates in parallel lines, from top to bottom.
- Then peel off the backing of the tape to reveal the sticky reverse Line up the plate with the correct position on your vehicle and then hold it in place for two to three minutes.
- Then take the car for a quick drive to make sure that it sticks