Wash/wax licence plates?

[Nick Chapman]

How many of you do this?

Customer looked at me strange the other day when I washed and waxed his licence plate. Asked me why I was taking so much time with them(Texas requires front plates....which means bugs all over them). He said that he's never even washed it since it's the state's property. I asked him if the state has ever came out a washed it for him

I think it just completes the "clean" look of the vehicle. But I never see anyone clean them.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

I wash them but don't wax them. Wisconsin also requires front plates (as well as back ones)

[guitarman502]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

oddly enough, I do that. I always take the rear plate off and wash/wax behind the license plate, then it just kinda gets washed too.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

I think it just completes the "clean" look of the vehicle. But I never see anyone clean them.

Great finishing touch Nick.

A note of caution about old license plates, the paint is usually so so thin that if you're not careful you'll rub through the paint and expose either the first color applied or metal.

[Murr1525]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

Of course....

[BlueZero]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

What about washing and waxing behind them?

I used to do that on a past car but don't take them off anymore. lol

[Murr1525]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

Mine stay put... I am more likely to gouge the paint with the screwdriver....

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Wash/wax license plates?

Whenever I get a new to me car. I always remove the temp tag. Then I wax behind it. Once I get the metal plate it never comes off. But I do wash and wax them.

[Nappers]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

On my thorough cleaning, I take the plates off and clean them and behind them.

so...yes!

[techjazz]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

+1 on washing and waxing the license plate.

I only do it when I do a complete detail. I take the plate off and wax the plate and behind the plate, and since I have a CR-V with the spare tire on the back, I'll take it off and wax behind that too. There's paint back there!

It does complete the clean look of the vehicle. I also cannot stand dirty/rusting/can't see the numbers and letters look on a clean car, or any car for that matter.

Sounds like a great touch to me!

[bookeem]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

i wash them as im washing the car, no wax though...

[RaskyR1]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

I've always washed, but never waxed.

I will however take them off on some vehicles if the paint is in poor condition, or if I risk damaging a foam pad because of them. I guess it always depends on the customer, and how well I'm being compensated.

[Jokeman]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

I clean my plates also. Only thing is that the front plate looks like its been through a war since we used it to protect the bumper from the engine hoist when he put my new motor in.

[Kooz]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

Iowa requires front plates too. It's a good place for bugs to get splattered, so yes, I always wash my plates.

[Stangfan]

Re: Wash/wax licence plates?

When I detail my cars, the plates, front and rear, come off and get washed and waxed. I've been doing that for 46 years now...don't see much point in stopping!