[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Read this article to learn how to make your 3D gel number plates last longer, what you should avoid, and how to properly take care of them.
Want to know how to make your 3D gel number plates last longer? We will go through everything you need to be aware of – from getting quality plates to start with, to maintenance and use.
If you want to read more about 3D number plates, why not check out the history and evolution of these plates, their regular benefits and environmental benefits, their manufacturing process, or if they impact a vehicle’s resale value.
We can also help you decide if they make a good gift, or determine which dimensional plates are best for your car, and explore the cost difference between 3D gel and other custom plates to help you make a smart financial decision.
3D gel number plates (also called 3D gel resin or 3D domed gel plates), are made with an acrylic or metal sheet (usually aluminium) base. The plate characters get covered with a polyurethane gel resin, which is what gives them that attractive raised profile that we see on these plates.
These 3D gel plates are different from the traditional printed plates, as the characters have domed resin over them to give them a different effect. They stand out more, and are sure to set you apart from the crowd if you got these plates.
3D gel plates are often chosen over standard plates because they stand out on the road and make your vehicle look its best. However, there are often questions about their durability and how to make them last longer.
3D gel plates are legal in the UK as long as specific rules and regulations are followed. These rules are set out by the government, and allow cameras, ULEZ, and ANPR to scan and read the plates. If these plates couldn’t be read by police systems, they would not be legal, and we wouldn’t sell them!
With that being said, 3D gel plates are seen as a modification. Because of this, you should declare them when doing your insurance. These plates will not have a negative impact on your MOT if they are legal – unlike carbon gel plates, which are illegal in the UK.
Just remember the new 2024 private plate laws if you are planning on getting custom or private plates. Make sure you do your research and work with a trusted plate shop to ensure that the necessary criteria are met. As the best alternative to Halfords, this is something we can do.
Generally speaking, 3D gel number plates can last the same length as standard plates – sometimes even longer. However, in order for this to happen, you need to know how to care for them. So, in the sections below, we will go through the basics of how to make your 3D gel number plates last longer.
How long your 3D plates will last starts from where you get them. If you purchase cheap (and probably illegal) plates, they aren’t going to last very long and will be fading, breaking, or peeling in no time.
Spend that bit of extra money for quality, road-legal plates, and you already have a solid foundation. From there, you need to take special care to make them last as long as possible.
While you can remove and replace your own 3D gel plates quite easily, for the best results, we recommend getting them installed by a professional. If you have bought quality 3D plates, you want to make sure they are handled properly, right?
A professional will be able to install your plate optimally and without damage. If you have the skills to do this, then it shouldn’t be a problem.
Once the number plate has been properly installed, you’re already one step closer to making the plate last longer. Bad installation means a short life – not to mention, you need to be incredibly precise when installing it to ensure it’s straight and aligned!
By this, we mean getting an accessory like a number plate holder. These are not required by law, but they can go a long way to simply reinforce the border of your plate to prevent damage as well as theft. A plate holder will add an extra layer that will make it more difficult to remove, making it less of a target for criminals.
At Number Plate Clinic, we have a range of holders to choose from to match your style, so there’s no excuse.
Now that you’ve done all the initial care to make your 3D gel number plate last longer, you need to be sure to do regular maintenance on the plate, too. This means you need to clean them when needed and check for signs of damage frequently, just to be safe.
Maintaining number plates is an easy job, and there isn’t too much work involved. Generally, the most you will need to do is clean the plates every few weeks or when needed to ensure that they are visible and undamaged.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can also get your plates looking nice and shiny.
Finally, you need to be careful where you drive your vehicle and where you park. Unsurprisingly, a lot of damage can be done by going down the wrong road or picking the wrong parking spot, so take extra care when going somewhere unfamiliar.
One of the biggest causes of number plate damage is the use of rural and dirt roads. There is frequent debris around, and even tiny flying pebbles can damage a number plate if it hits the plate at the wrong angle or a high speed.
Going a step further, be careful of where you choose to park a car, too. Try to stay out of the blistering sun for long periods of time when you’re able to, as this can have a negative impact on the plate and cut its life short. Avoid parking near open flames (this should go without saying), and stay away from sources of heat.
Anyone who has driven in cities will also be aware of the damage that pavements can do when you misjudge them. Your car’s suspension can only deal with so much, and if you come up on a high pavement the wrong way, you risk breaking your number plate in a split second.
Knowing how to make your 3D gel plates last longer means that you can ultimately save money and time. No one wants to buy a new plate every five years – especially when they aren’t standard plates – and keep watching money leave their account. If you can care for and maintain your plates, you can enjoy them for many years to come.
At Number Plate Clinic, we have a wide range of articles for you to read if you want to find out more about the number plate world. From the most expensive private plate to be sold in the UK and the difference between show and legal plates, to why there’s no Z in plates and why you should consider 3D gels.
Read through our terms and conditions, privacy policy and refund policy before making a purchase. You can also learn about our workshop and affiliate program, or find out more by speaking with our customer service if you want to purchase high-quality, DVLA-compliant number plates.
Now that you know how to make your 3D gel number plates last longer, you can take precautions and make sure that you do what you need to do. No one wants to spend money on a pricey plate only for it to be destroyed within a few months!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
