What is the function of active grille shutters?
3 Answers
Active grille shutters serve the purposes of cooling and air intake. When the engine radiator's water temperature is too high and natural airflow alone is insufficient for adequate cooling, the fan will automatically activate to assist in heat dissipation. As the car moves, air flows backward, and the fan's airflow direction is also backward. The heated airflow after cooling flows from the area near the windshield behind the engine hood and beneath the car, allowing the heat to be discharged. The automotive intake system primarily consists of a variable intake system, which mainly includes four types: variable valve timing, continuously variable valve timing, electronic variable timing, and electronic variable valve lift. The assembly of components that direct air or the air-fuel mixture into the engine cylinders is referred to as the engine intake system.
The active grille shutter makes the car run smoother and more efficiently. It acts like a smart switch, automatically opening or closing the grille to control the amount of air entering the engine based on demand. During high-speed driving, it automatically closes to reduce aerodynamic drag, ensuring stability even at high speeds, minimizing wind noise, and naturally lowering fuel consumption—saving both fuel and money. In winter during cold starts, closing the grille helps heat up the engine faster, warming the cabin quickly without discomfort. In summer or when climbing hills, the grille opens to allow air in, cooling the engine and preventing overheating damage. This design significantly improves the car's aerodynamics, enhancing driving comfort, extending component lifespan, and reducing maintenance costs. Driving such a car on long trips feels effortless and highly rewarding, unlike older cars that are laborious and fuel-hungry.
Cars equipped with active grille shutters have saved me a lot of expenses. By adjusting the air intake in real time, it keeps the engine at the optimal operating temperature, making fuel combustion more efficient. The fuel savings aren't very noticeable in city driving, but on highways, with reduced wind resistance, the fuel gauge drops much slower. Based on my driving habits, saving three to five hundred yuan a year on fuel is no problem. With fuel prices rising quickly these days, this feature is truly considerate. In cold northern winters, the engine heats up faster, reducing cabin warm-up time and avoiding fuel waste from idling. Additionally, optimized air intake results in cleaner emissions, aligning with national trends toward emission reduction and benefiting the environment in the long run. Maintenance is simple and reliable, unlike some high-tech components prone to frequent issues, so durability isn't a concern. When choosing a car, I prioritize this feature.
