What is the plastic panel at the front of a car called?

[DelWillow]

The plastic panel at the front of a car is called a crash beam, also known as a plastic bumper. The car bumper is located in most areas at the front and rear of the vehicle. It is designed to prevent external damage from affecting the vehicle's safety system, absorb and mitigate external impacts, and protect the front and rear of the car body. It also has the ability to reduce injuries to passengers during high-speed collisions and is increasingly designed for pedestrian protection. Below is a related introduction: The plastic bumper consists of three parts: an outer panel, cushioning material, and a crossbeam. The outer panel and cushioning material are made of plastic, while the crossbeam is pressed into a U-shaped groove from cold-rolled steel sheets about 1.5 mm thick. The outer panel and cushioning material are attached to the crossbeam, which is connected to the car frame's longitudinal beams with screws and can be removed at any time.

[Annabeth]

I've been driving ordinary family cars for over a decade. That plastic panel at the front is called the front bumper, which serves as a crucial protective component of the vehicle. During daily driving, when encountering minor collisions such as scraping against curbs or slight rear-end impacts, it absorbs shocks to reduce body damage. After switching to plastic materials, it became lighter and easier to repair, unlike the old metal ones that would rust and deform. I remember one time when a parking lot scrape only cost me a bit for touch-up paint to fix it. The bumper also comes with some features, like mounting holes for fog lights and radar sensors, making it convenient to upgrade safety systems. As a car owner, I regularly clean it to prevent dust buildup from affecting heat dissipation, especially drying it after rain to avoid water accumulation and corrosion. Using mild detergent during car washes helps maintain its smoothness and extends its lifespan. For long winter drives in snowy conditions, it's advisable to remove ice in advance to prevent freezing cracks. Overall, though it may seem inconspicuous, it's quite practical—don't overlook maintenance details.

[VonSimon]

As a car enthusiast, I'm particularly fascinated by that front plastic panel called the bumper, which comes in incredibly diverse designs. Different vehicle models showcase distinct styles – sports cars emphasize aerodynamics, while SUVs opt for a more robust look. Plastic is commonly used for its lightweight and moldable properties, effectively absorbing impact energy to enhance pedestrian safety during collisions. I've even customized my car by adding LED lights to the bumper for enhanced visual appeal. It integrates collision protection functions, excelling at absorbing low-speed impacts to minimize repair costs. When cleaning, use gentle wiping motions and avoid harsh chemicals to prevent color fading. Advancements in materials have made car bodies more eco-friendly and durable, and at meetups, fellow enthusiasts often compete to see whose custom paint job stands out the most. Regularly inspect for cracks or looseness, as these can affect sensor accuracy, especially since modern driver-assistance systems rely on them. Always remember to keep your line of sight unobstructed by debris while driving, prioritizing safety above all else.

[IslaMarie]

I just got my driver's license and was curious about that plastic thing at the front. After checking, I learned it's called the front bumper. Its main purpose is to protect the car's hood or light assemblies from damage during low-speed collisions. Being made of plastic makes it cheaper and easier to replace, unlike metal which tends to dent and rust easily. My driving instructor always warned me to be careful when reversing because it's prone to scratches – he wasn't wrong. Now my little car has some minor scratches, but nothing serious. For beginners, I'd recommend using the reversing camera more often when parking to avoid obstacles. Maintenance is simple – just rinse off dust with water during car washes, being careful not to block any vents that affect cooling. If it does get damaged, you can save some money by buying replacement parts online, but make sure to get them professionally installed.