What is the plastic at the front bottom of a car?
2 Answers
The plastic shell at the very front of a car is called the bumper beam, also known as the plastic bumper. Here is some extended information about the front bumper: 1. Function of the component: The car bumper (bumper beam), located in most areas at the front and rear of the car, is designed to prevent damage to the vehicle's safety systems from external impacts. These components have the ability to reduce injuries to passengers during high-speed collisions and are increasingly designed for pedestrian protection. 2. Origin of the definition: The car bumper is a safety device that absorbs and mitigates external impacts, protecting the front and rear parts of the vehicle body. Twenty years ago, the front and rear bumpers of cars were mainly made of metal materials, using steel plates with a thickness of more than 3 mm pressed into U-shaped channel steel, with chrome-plated surfaces. They were riveted or welded to the frame longitudinal beams, with a large gap between them and the car body, appearing as an additional component.
I've been driving for over a decade. The plastic part at the front bottom of a car is usually called the front spoiler or underbody shield, sometimes referred to as the lower edge of the bumper. It's primarily made of polypropylene plastic, which is lightweight and impact-resistant. This component serves several important functions: first, it protects the engine oil pan and radiator from damage caused by road debris or water splashes; second, it improves airflow to reduce wind resistance, helping save fuel. I remember once during a long highway drive when the plastic panel came loose and started scraping the road with a loud noise - it gave me quite a scare. After pulling over, I found the mounting screws had rusted. Such a small part, but when damaged, it can create significant noise and safety hazards. I recommend checking for cracks or looseness during car washes. If it's too worn out, replacing it costs just around a hundred bucks. After all, we shouldn't cut corners on underbody protection - trying to save small money might lead to bigger troubles.
