What is the lower section of the car's rear bumper?
The lower section of the car's rear bumper typically refers to the plastic component installed below the rear bumper, commonly known as a ‚deflector plate' or sometimes called ‚rear bumper spoiler' or ‚rear bumper lower trim'.
The main functions and features of this component are as follows:
Aerodynamic optimization: The deflector plate, with its downward-sloping design, guides the airflow more smoothly through the underside of the vehicle, reducing air resistance and cabin pressure, thereby lowering wind noise at high speeds and improving fuel economy.
Enhanced driving stability: It effectively reduces the "lift" caused by the pressure difference between the top and bottom of the vehicle when traveling at high speeds, preventing the rear wheels from floating and enhancing the vehicle's grip and handling stability.
Protection function: As part of the bottom protection, the deflector plate absorbs some of the impact force in minor scratches or collisions, protecting the rear bumper and the lower structure of the vehicle.
Aesthetic design: Its streamlined shape is in harmony with the overall style of the vehicle, enhancing the vehicle's sportiness and visual appeal.
This component is usually made of plastic and is fixed to the bumper with screws or clips, making it easy to disassemble and replace.
It should be noted that in some materials, the term ‚spoiler' may also refer to the ‚tail wing' installed at the top of the vehicle's rear, which is a different component from the deflector plate below the rear bumper.
The plastic component of the car's lower rear bumper section is typically called a ‚deflector plate', and it plays multiple crucial roles in vehicle operation, far beyond just decoration.
Main functions
Optimize aerodynamics, enhance driving stability: This is the core function of the deflector plate. During high-speed driving, the air flow will generate upward lift due to pressure differences, which may cause the rear wheels to "float" and affect handling. The deflector plate, with its specific downward-sloping shape, can effectively guide the air flow to flow smoothly, reducing cabin pressure, and thus reducing lift, ensuring that the rear wheels are firmly attached to the ground, significantly improving the stability and handling at high speeds.
Reduce wind resistance, improve fuel economy: By making the airflow flow more smoothly over the vehicle, reducing turbulence and vortices at the bottom of the vehicle, the deflector plate effectively reduces the air resistance (wind resistance) of the vehicle. With reduced wind resistance, the engine does not need to consume excessive power to overcome air resistance, thereby helping to lower fuel consumption and improve fuel efficiency.
Protect the vehicle and pedestrians: The deflector plate is located at the lowest point of the vehicle's rear, like a "buffer pad". In low-speed collisions or scratches (such as hitting curb or stones), it can first absorb and distribute the impact force, protecting the rear bumper and the lower structure of the vehicle, reducing maintenance costs. In more severe collisions, it can also help distribute the impact force, reducing the harm to the occupants and providing some buffer protection for pedestrians.
Enhance the vehicle's appearance: The deflector plate is an important part of the vehicle's appearance design. Its smooth lines and sporty shape can enhance the vehicle's visual dynamism and fashion, making the rear look more coordinated, more technologically advanced or sporty, and improving the overall appearance level and recognition of the vehicle.
Reduce noise during driving: By optimizing the airflow path and reducing turbulence and vibration at the bottom of the vehicle, the deflector plate can also, to a certain extent, reduce wind noise during high-speed driving, creating a quieter environment inside the vehicle.
In summary, the deflector plate under the rear bumper of a car is a sophisticated design component that integrates aerodynamic performance improvement, safety protection, fuel economy optimization, and appearance beautification. Although small, it plays an indispensable role in the overall performance and experience of the vehicle.
The most common cause of failure in the lower section of the car's rear bumper is the aging, fracture or loosening of the fixing clips, causing the bumper to sag, crack or widen the gap with the vehicle body. The solution needs to be determined based on the specific cause and severity of the failure.
Main solutions
Replace the fixing clips (the most common solution) Most of the problems with the lower section of the rear bumper being deformed are caused by the aging, cracking or detachment of the plastic fasteners. The most direct and effective solution is:
Fully disassemble the rear bumper.
Check and replace all damaged or aged fasteners. It is recommended to replace all the fasteners at once to ensure uniform force distribution and avoid the new fasteners failing again due to the loosening of other old fasteners.
When reinstalling the bumper, ensure that all fasteners are accurately and firmly inserted into the corresponding slots on the vehicle body.
This method is applicable when the fasteners are damaged but the bumper body has no severe cracks or deformations.
Check and repair the damage to the bumper body
If the lower section of the bumper has cracks, fractures or severe deformation, replacing only the fasteners will not solve the problem. Professional repair is required:
Plastic bumper: Plastic welding technology can be used for repair. After restoring the original shape, grinding and painting can be carried out to achieve the effect of restoring the original appearance.
Metal or fiberglass material: If the metal crossbeam is deformed or the fiberglass material is damaged, corresponding metal welding or specialized repair techniques for fiberglass should be used.
If the damage is too severe, it is recommended to replace the entire new bumper to ensure safety and aesthetics.
Check and adjust related components
Sometimes the problem with the lower section of the bumper is not caused solely by the fasteners. Other related components need to be checked:
Check the bumper bracket: For some models (such as QX50), the rear bumper deforming may be related to the excessive spacing of the rear fixing plate. Consider using a suitable rubber pad under the fixing plate to adjust the position. However, this operation usually requires disassembling the bumper.
Check the fit with adjacent components: Confirm whether the gap between the bumper and the rear fender, trunk lid, etc. is uniform. Eliminate the "false" deforming caused by the misalignment of other components.
Professional repair advice
Act promptly: If the bumper deforming is not repaired in time, it may fall off during driving, not only affecting appearance, but also posing a serious safety hazard to the vehicles behind.
Choose a professional auto repair shop: It is recommended to go to a professional auto repair shop for diagnosis and repair. Use professional tools and materials to ensure the quality of repair and driving safety.
Preventive maintenance: Regularly check the fixation of the bumper, especially after driving over bumpy roads or experiencing minor scratches, and promptly detect and handle potential problems.
Summary: For problems with the lower section of the bumper, prioritize checking and replacing all fasteners. If the fasteners are intact but the bumper has cracks or deformations, weld repair or replacement is required. If the problem is complex, it is recommended to seek help from professional technicians. Do not ignore potential safety risks.
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