Understand Your Car's Grille Cover Better

Car Grilles have been part of the automobile since its early days of inception and have been serving a very major function ever since. The engine needs to be ventilated with sufficient supply of cool air from the atmosphere. This is done by the Grille Cover that allows air to enter while prohibiting large objects such as rocks and debris from entering the engine bay. The grilles serve a practical function while retaining a stylistic quality. This is why grilles are an important structure of the modern car. 

Grilles are a striking feature in most cars and attract the most attention when someone is looking at the front end of the car. They take up a significant portion of the front end and can be found under the car's hood while also highlighting the brand emblem.

Since the dawn of the automobiles, one element that has always been a part of the car are the grille covers which are now available in a few different types:

1. Mesh Grille: These come standard on every vehicle and constitute the most common type of grille made by OEMs.
2. Billet Grille: This type of grille consists of straight parallel lines that stretch the length of the grille. Billet grilles are further classified into two types. One is Horizontal Billet Grille, having bars stacked horizontally and the other is Vertical Billet Grille having vertical bars.
3. CNC Grilles: These are manufactured using computer aid. Computer controlled production means intricate shapes and patterns can be easily made with utter precision. This grille allows you to choose your own design. 

Here are the vital contributions of a grille cover:

• The grille is designed to let airflow into the engine bay to help cool the engine via the radiator. The engine and various components create a lot of heat and it is necessary to vent this heat via as many sources as possible. The grille helps provide the necessary airflow to maintain proper engine temperature.
• These provide a distinctive look to every vehicle and are in fact a defining stylistic feature.
• The brand emblem of the vehicle manufacturer is published on the grille. These can also be customized by the driver.
• The modern grilles have been so engineered that they may be actuated to close or open to allow only the necessary amount of air into the engine bay for the best aerodynamic performance.

Due to its position at the front, the grille can be susceptible to a number of hazards when the vehicle is in motion as it is struck by a variety of incoming objects. Direct bumper impact can break the grille as it is one of the first elements that come in contact and hence it is common to have a broken grille after a head-on collision or any accident that involves the front end. Grilles are designed to allow airflow and restrict particulates like rocks, dirt, ice, and road salt and debris which can severely damage the internals like the car’s radiators and other heat exchangers. But in doing so they sustain the damage from the elements which can break and damage the grille cover.

The grille is one of the first things that anyone looks at in a vehicle and hence any damage like a broken or fractured grille or scuffed up paintwork is almost always very clearly visible. A simple inspection of the grille will be enough to determine any problems.

To ensure no harm is done to any other components while removing and refitting the grille cover make sure to use the following tools:

• Ratchet
• Socket Set
• Gloves
• Screwdriver
• Clip tool

Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for Grilles Covers which would offer safety and at the same time decrease the risk of disappointment.

To customize the look of your car or truck by adding a decorative yet protective layer to the body parts that are vulnerable to damage and enhance their appearance, consider other such Chrome Trim parts:

• Headlight Bezel
• Door Sill Protector
• Car Door Handles
• Fuel Door
• Vehicle Window Trim
• Side-View Mirror Covers
• Car Emblem
• Tailgate Handles
• Car Door Trim
• Body Panel Trim
• Body Side Moulding
• Tail Light Bezels

The grille is an essential part of the car and making sure it stays intact is necessary for the protection of the various engine components like the radiator. Regular inspection can be one way to make sure you identify any problems before they develop into bigger, more expensive fixes. A replacement grille significantly upgrades your vehicle by renewing the look of the car while ensuring optimum engine performance. The prices of grille varies according to the finishes like chrome, steel or powder coated and materials like ABS plastic, aluminium or steel.

Replacing the Grille may be a little complex but the right tools and this guide can make it a bit easier so follow along these steps :

• In most cars, the grille is part of the front bumper and in order to gain access to the grille, you need to remove the front bumper cover.
• If in case the grille on your vehicle is directly attached to the hood of the car then simply open the hood and locate the bolts holding the grille and undo them using a ratchet and the appropriate socket. This should separate the grille from the hood.
• To refit the new grille revert the process and attach the bolts to securely hold the new grille in place.
• For vehicles with the grille attached to the bumper cover follow these steps: Pop the hood and using a clip tool or straight head screwdriver remove the clips holding down the upper shield above the grille and the fender liner in the wheel well.
• Repeat the process for the under shield or in some cars - the valance if the bumper is attached via the shield. If there are other visible bolts or clips holding it down then only undo them.
• Now using a ratchet and socket undo the bolts holding the bumper to the frame and the bumper is ready to come off. The bumper is popped from the bracket under the fender.
• Make sure to remove all electrical connections on the bumper like the fog light connections.
• The grille can now be removed from the bumper by undoing the bolts that secure it to the bumper.
• Place the new grille in place and redo the bolts. Now refit the bumper the same way it came off by following the steps in the reverse order.