What is the protective cover on the interior of a car?
The guard plate above the car's grille usually refers to the front bumper trim panel or the front grille trim panel. It is located on both sides of the car's grille (or grille), and its main function is to beautify the vehicle's appearance and enhance the overall design sense of the front end.
It should be noted that this component is completely different from the chassis guard plate (or engine guard plate) installed under the vehicle's chassis, whose main function is to protect key components such as the engine, transmission case, and steering tie rod from damage caused by foreign objects on the road and corrosion.
Front bumper trim panel / front grille trim panel: Located on both sides of the grille, it is an exterior component, mainly serving a decorative purpose.
Chassis guard plate: Located under the engine, it is a functional component, mainly serving to protect and optimize air flow.
Therefore, when referring to "guard plate above the grille", it usually means the former, that is, the trim panel.
The vehicle guard plate (also known as the engine guard plate or chassis guard plate) is an important protective device installed under the vehicle's chassis and engine. Its function is far more than just simple "blocking", and it integrates protection, performance optimization, and safety assurance as a practical configuration.
Main functions
Protect chassis key components
The guard plate can effectively prevent flying stones, gravel, branches, etc. on the road from hitting the engine oil pan, transmission case, steering tie rod, etc., which are fragile components, reducing the risk of leakage, deformation, or fracture due to bottoming out or impact. This protective function is particularly crucial when driving on unpaved roads, rural roads, or construction sites.
Anti-corrosion and anti-pollution
Rainwater, mud, snow-melting agents (containing salt), and acid rain will continuously erode the metal parts of the chassis, accelerating corrosion. The guard plate, as a physical barrier, reduces the direct contact of these corrosive substances with the chassis, significantly delaying the rusting process of the chassis and extending the vehicle's service life. At the same time, it can prevent dirt and dust from invading the engine compartment, keeping the engine compartment clean, and avoiding dirt or debris adhering to belts, circuit interface, etc., affecting heat dissipation or causing electrical faults.
Optimize aerodynamic performance
At high speeds (especially over 100 km/h), the turbulent airflow of the vehicle will increase drag, reduce fuel efficiency, and affect driving stability. A qualified guard plate can reduce the drag coefficient by approximately 3%-5% by smoothing the chassis surface and guiding the airflow smoothly through, thereby indirectly improving fuel efficiency and reducing vibrations and wind noise at the vehicle's bottom, enhancing driving comfort.
Auxiliary sound insulation and heat insulation
Some guard plates (especially those made of resin or plastic) have certain sound absorption and heat insulation effects, which can reduce the noise caused by the impact of road debris on the chassis and the transfer of heat from the engine compartment to the driver's cabin, improving the comfort of the passengers.
Important precautions
Safety first: The design of the guard plate must comply with original factory holes and safety standards. Poor or improperly designed guard plates may hinder the "protective sinking" of the engine (passive safety design of the vehicle) in a severe collision, increasing the risk.
Regular inspection: If the guard plate is deformed, loose, cracked, or the bolts are loose, it should be replaced in time, otherwise, it will lose its protective function and even become a new noise source.
Not all-purpose: The guard plate mainly responds to foreign object impacts and corrosion at low and medium speeds and cannot withstand severe bottoming out or collisions at high speeds and large angles.
In conclusion, installing guard plates is a beneficial investment for most vehicles, especially suitable for owners who frequently drive in complex road conditions, rainy and snowy or salt fog environments. Choosing a material and design that is compatible with the vehicle model and usage scenario can truly bring out its "protection + practical" dual value.
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