Q: I recently purchased a 2026 Kia K5. The dealer mounted the from plate through a bracket and then drove the screw directly into the front bumper, creating two screw holes in the bumper itself. As soon as I realized this, (about two days after purchasing the car) I went back to the dealer to ask them about it. They insisted that it was standard practice to do so. I asked why didn’t they use a shorter screw with a nut to securely fasten the plate? Your thoughts please?

B.D., Medford, Massachusetts

A: That really seems to be standard procedure anymore. The bumper (actually, the bumper cover) is plastic and the screws hold rather well. But I agree that license plate screw kits with a push-in nut and stainless steel screws are the choice.

Q: As a 40-plus-year Toyota owner, I have a questio

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