For car enthusiasts and modders to people just looking for a cheap and easy way to make their car look a little different, 4D number plates have emerged as a popular choice. They can make your car look sleek and add some style to an old ride.
To maintain their distinctive look and ensure their longevity, proper care and maintenance of these number plates are essential. In this article, we’ll guide you through a few easy steps to care for your 4D number plates, from regular cleaning to checking for wear and tear and knowing when to replace them.
The Importance of Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your 4D number plates is not just about maintaining their aesthetic appeal, but it’s also a legal requirement. Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on the plates and around the characters, making them difficult to read. If they become too dirty, ANPR systems may begin to have difficulty detecting your plates, which can lead to fines or penalties if not addressed.
Cleaning your 4D plates is also an important part of maintaining the overall look and feel of your vehicle. Just like a clean car can make a great first impression, clean and shiny number plates can add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your car.
Regular cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your 4D reg plates. Dirt and grime building up around the digits may eventually lead to premature wearing of the adhesive and the ingress of water, which could eventually lead to delamination and characters falling off. By keeping them clean, you can ensure that they remain in top condition for as long as possible.
What Cleaning Products Should You Use for 4D Number Plates?
If you purchased your 4D plates from SurePlates, they will be made of acrylic. When it comes to cleaning your acrylic 4D plates, it’s important to use the right products to avoid damaging the materials. Using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers or cloths as this could damage the plates.
✅ Mild Soap or Shampoo
A mild soap or car shampoo mixed with some warm water is usually sufficient for cleaning 4D number plates. Use a soft microfibre cloth or a sponge to gently wipe the plates, making sure to clean all the corners and edges of the characters. If necessary, let the soap sit for a while before scrubbing. Avoid using brushes or scouring pads as they can scratch the surface of the plates.
For stubborn dirt or grime, you can use a non-abrasive plastic cleaner. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage your plates.
✅ Pressure Washers
Pressure washers can be used to clean your 4D number plates as well. Be careful not to hold a high-pressure lance in one place for too long – quick back and forth movements should be enough to remove grime and dirt.
After cleaning, rinse the plates with some clean water or give them a quick blast with a pressure washer to remove any soapy residue. Dry them with a microfibre cloth or soft rag to remove the water spots and let them continue to air dry.
⚠ Avoid Alcohol Solutions and Steam Cleaners
❌ Alcohol cleaners
Do not use alcohol such as methyl, ethyl, isopropanol, or acetone. These alcohols can cause microfractures in the acrylic which could compromise the integrity of the plate and digits. They can also make the surface go cloudy, milky, or streaky which could affect the reflectivity and readability of your plates. This applies to both the backing plate and 4D characters.
❌ Steam Cleaners
Avoid using steam cleaners to clean your acrylic number plates – these can warp and bend them.
Checking Your 4D Number Plates for Wear and Tear
Regularly checking your 4D number plates for signs of wear and tear is an important step in the maintenance of your vehicle. Once in a while it is a good idea to look for any cracks, chips, warping, loose digits, or fading on the printed parts of your plates. These could be signs that the plates are beginning to wear out and may need to be replaced.
For customers of SurePlates, a 2-year guarantee is provided with all orders. For failures that occur within this timeframe, you are eligible for free replacements. Your warranty protects against:
- Delamination of the reflective backing film.
- Ingress of water around the edges of the plate(s).
- Any three-dimensional characters coming loose or falling off. This includes 4D, gel, and 4D gel.
- Fading of print(s).
- Unexplained warping.
- Unexplained cracking.
Check the screws and fixings regularly to make sure they are still tight and secure. Loose screws can cause the plates to vibrate while driving, which can lead damage around the screw holes eventually leading to delamination and the ingress of water. It could also cause the plates to come off while driving – this is not covered by your guarantee, so ensure proper installation.
Also remember, it’s not just about maintaining the look of your vehicle. Damaged and worn-out number plates should be replaced as soon as possible due to the potential legal problems. If your plates are not clearly visible and legible, you could face fines or penalties from the police and your vehicle can fail its MOT. See the rules for displaying number plates on GOV UK.
When to Replace Your 4D Number Plates
Knowing when to replace your number plates is crucial. While all our plate styles are designed to be durable and very long-lasting, they won’t last forever. Over time, they could become chipped which may lead to the digits being less readable.
If your number plates are cracked, chipped, or the characters are fading or peeling off, it’s time to get some new ones. Similarly, if the printed parts of your plate have become discoloured or have lost their shine, it may be time for some replacements.
In some cases, you may need to replace your number plates even if they are still in good condition. For example, if you move to a different country, sell your vehicle, or purchase a new registration number, you may need to buy some new number plates.
Finally, if you’re just tired of your old plates and want to give your vehicle a fresh new look, getting new plates can be a great option if you go for one of the premium options like 4D or gel. With a variety of styles and configurations available, you can choose a design that suits your tastes and styles.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your 4D number plates once they’re installed is a crucial step to maintaining their aesthetic appeal and to ensure their longevity. Regular cleaning with the right products can keep your plates looking new and shiny for longer, while protecting them from damage can prevent premature wear and tear.
Regular checks for signs of damage and knowing when to replace your plates can also help you avoid being stopped by the police or fined for having non-compliant plates. Also remember that while 4D number plates can enhance the look of your vehicle, they also require proper care and maintenance to keep them in top condition.
Our 4D plates have been designed to last for significantly longer than the length of average vehicle ownership in the UK, which is around 4 ½ years at time of writing. With the right care, your 4D plates can remain a unique and stylish part of your vehicle for many years to come.