What is the plastic panel at the front inside of a car called?
2 Answers
The plastic panel at the front inside of a car is called a bumper beam. Below is an introduction to the bumper beam: Functions of the bumper beam: Safety protection; Mitigation of external impact forces; Protection for pedestrians; Decorative function; Improvement of vehicle aerodynamics. Composition of the bumper beam: The bumper beam is a device designed to absorb collision energy when a vehicle is impacted. It consists of a main beam, an energy absorption box, and mounting plates that connect to the car. Both the main beam and the energy absorption box can effectively absorb collision energy during low-speed impacts, minimizing damage to the vehicle's longitudinal beams.
I've been driving for twenty years and have seen many interior issues. The plastic panel at the front of the car's interior is usually called the dashboard panel or center console trim. It covers the instrument cluster and air vents in front of the steering wheel. Its main functions are to protect internal electronic devices like the speedometer and temperature controls, as well as conceal the airbag system. On older cars, this panel tends to crack and become brittle, especially after prolonged sun exposure, with the effect being more noticeable during summer heat. Maintenance is simple: regularly wipe it with a soft cloth and neutral cleaner, once a week is sufficient. Avoid using hard objects or alcohol, as they can scratch the surface. If the panel is severely damaged, have it professionally replaced—costing a few hundred dollars—and never attempt to remove it yourself to avoid damaging the airbag system or compromising driving safety.