The condition of your car will affect its resale value. Though most people worry about protecting their cars through paint or regular maintenance, there are other aspects that are small but significant when it comes to exterior customization. One important aspect is how you fit your front license plate on your car. Drilling your bumper for permanent holes may leave marks that affect the appearance and, in turn, its resale value.
However, there are ways through which you can mount your license plates without damaging the bumper legally. Here are five of them.
The Importance of Installing License Plates on Your Vehicle
Many modern cars, including sports cars, are made with special bumpers designed specifically for them. Drilling holes into the bumpers creates permanent damage that is very hard to fix. With a tow hook license plate mount, you can install it into your vehicle’s tow hook receiver without damaging the bumper.
1. Protects the Vehicle from Permanent Damage
One of the main features of a non-drill installation is protection of the original bumper. Since it does not involve any drilling, the factory finish is protected. This is especially important when you have a painted bumper or a limited-edition body kit.
2. Ensures Higher Resale Value
When buying second-hand cars, buyers tend to prefer cars that have maintained their original body shape. Additional holes or poorly fitted accessories can imply alterations or repairs on the car. Maintaining your bumper in its original form could give you an upper hand in the negotiation process.
3. Immediate Access to the Front End
With a license plate quick release, it becomes easy to take the plate off within seconds for cleaning, polishing, or protecting with a clear coat of paint protection film. This ensures you clean all parts that would otherwise be concealed behind the plate.
4. Easy for Auto Events and Professional Photos
For many people, having a more streamlined front end is preferred at auto shows or professional photoshoots. The removable design allows easy plate removal without tools or new markings. The plate can later be installed again when necessary for use on the road.
5. Installs Using the Vehicle’s Existing Tow Hook Location
Installing a license plate holder attached to a tow hook normally involves using the factory tow hook mount. This reduces the risk of mistakes such as incorrect drilling, improper positioning due to inaccurate measurements, and other damage.
License Plate Mount Best Practices
Not all mounts are compatible with all types of vehicles. Some things to keep in mind when making the purchase include:
- Compatibility with your vehicle brand and model.
- Corrosion-resistant materials.
- Security during regular drives.
- No obstruction of airflow, parking sensors, and driver-assistance systems.
- Compliance with the Philippine license plate visibility rules set by the Land Transportation Office.
Selecting an effective mounting system and installing it effectively improves performance.
Wrapping Up
Maintaining the value of your car requires more than just maintenance. Small choices, like not making holes in the bumpers, can have a big impact over the years. Opting for a removable mounting system will keep the factory look intact, make maintenance easier, and improve your chances of selling the car later. If you’re considering upgrading your front plate mounting system, then it is worth looking at your options.