There are many different types of license plate frames to choose from. From the most basic plastic license plate frame, to the hardest stainless steel. License plate frames come in all sorts of styles and materials. But what about silicone license plate frames?
Are silicone license plate frames considered good? Silicone license plate frames are very good and durable. They work great at protecting your license plate from rusting and wear and wear and tear.
Silicone is much different than your standard plastic, chrome, stainless steel, or carbon fiber license plate frames. Silicone license plate frames are able to easily bend and conform perfectly on your license plate to form a nice and snug fit.
What is Silicone Rubber?
Silicone rubber is an elastomer made up of silicone and a polymer together with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
In other words, silicone rubber is essentially a rubber made out of silicone that is extremely stable, and resistant to extreme environments and temperatures from -55 to 300 °C.
Silicone rubber is very popular and is found in a wide variety of different products ranging from the automotive industry, cooking, baking, food storage, and even in sports/footwear.
What makes silicone rubber superior to traditional rubber is that it can withstand much harsher environments, and can also withstand aging.
What Is the Best Material for a License Plate Frame?
License plate flames are created out of a wide variety of materials. Some are sturdier than others, while some are more aesthetically pleasing.
If you are looking for the best material for a license plate in terms of durability, then we recommend going with either a silicone or stainless steel license plate frame.
Silicone
Silicone rubber is very durable. It can withstand harsh environments and even the most extreme temperatures. Silicone plate frames will not rust, will not show scratches, won’t rattle, and will fit your license plate snugly.
Silicone license plate frames are one of the best types of frames you can get on the market for your money.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another great option. Stainless steel will not easily bend or rust and will last a very long time. One of the major pitfalls to a stainless steel license plate frame is the occasional rattling.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber plate frames look great and are extremely high quality, as long as you are buying real carbon fiber. There are many “fake” carbon fiber license plate frames on the market and these can easily be spotted with their pricing.
Real carbon fiber plate frames are expensive, compared to their fake counterparts. Carbon fiber is great for longevity and giving your car a unique look.
Chrome
Chrome plated license plate frames are very sturdy and will not rust. They do suffer from longevity, as silicone and stainless steel plate frames will simply outlast them.
Chrome is also very prone to scratches, blemishes/dulling, and rattling. Over time, the chrome plating can also start to come off which isn’t very aesthetically pleasing.
Plastic
Plastic frames are the worst in terms of longevity and quality. They are prone to cracking, rattling, and cannot withstand harsh weather or environments.
None
Having no license plate frame at all is not recommended. Without a license plate frame, your license plate will be tightened onto your car’s frame which can cause damage and discoloration over time.
Your license plate will also be prone to being damage from the elements and weather since it will not be protected.
To check the current price and availability of the Aujen Silicone License Plate Frame, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
Are Silicone License Plate Frames Better?
Silicone license plates are better than your traditional plastic, chrome, carbon fiber, and even stainless steel license plate frames.
One unique feature silicone plate frames have over the rest is that you are able to fit your license plate frame inside of it. This allows your license plate to be protected from not only the front, but the sides and entire backing as well.
Silicone will not rust, is water resistant, rattle-proof, scratch proof, and will pretty much outlast all the other types of license plates frames out their on the market.
Silicone is simply superior to other license plates due to the fact that it can withstand harsh environments, and extreme temperatures.
Plastic license plate frames are prone to cracking and deteriorating over time. Stainless steel license plates are among one of the sturdiest, but they can be prone to rust, scratches, and can even rattle.
Chrome frames look great and share many of the same properties of a stainless steel license plate, but they do tend to lose their look over time, a lot quicker than stainless steel. Carbon fiber is also another great pick, but is still outlasted by silicone.
How Long Does a Silicone License Plate Frame Last?
Assuming that you don’t get into an accident, a silicone license plate frame can last you years! Since silicone rubber is very resistant to harsh environments, you can expect it to last you almost the lifetime of your car.
After a period of about 10 years, it is recommended to look at the integrity of the silicone to make sure it isn’t deteriorating.
How Do You Install a Silicone License Plate Frame?
Installing a silicone license plate frame can be a little bit more difficult than other frames since the frame will be smaller than your actual license plate.
- First, start by removing your license plate/frame from your car. The standard license plate screw size for many vehicles is 1/4-14-3/4-inch self-tapping screws that especially fit vehicles with plastic or nylon screw retainers.
- Thoroughly clean your license plate, and your car’s license plate area with car detailer or cleaner.
- Next, take your license plate and fit one corner into the silicone plate frame. You will then want to start at that corner and slowly fit your license plate into the silicone mold about an inch at a time. Do this is either a clockwise or counter-clockwise motion.
- Once you have made it all around your license plate, it should be snugly fit inside the silicone frame mold.
- Mount your license plate back onto your car. We recommend using stainless steel screws as they will not be prone to rusting.
Final Thoughts
Silicone license plate frames are one of the best frames you can put on your car. They will not rust, will not rattle, and will last in just about any environment and temperature.
Silicone plate frames will also be able to last you years without the need for replacing. They will not show wear and tear, and will keep the back and sides of your license plate protected.
Stainless steel and carbon fiber are also great picks. They are both long lasting, durable, and look great. They will both outlast chrome and plastic which make them a great second pick.
