What is the plastic panel in front of the car called?
2 Answers
The plastic panel in front of the car is called a deflector. This plastic panel is usually fixed with screws or clips, and as long as it is not broken, there is no problem. Just tighten the screws. The function of the deflector is to reduce the lift generated when the car is driving at high speed. In addition to improving the car's exterior design, car designers tilt the entire body forward and downward to create downward pressure on the front wheels, and flatten the rear of the car to reduce the negative air pressure acting from the roof to the rear, preventing the rear wheels from lifting. They also install a downward-sloping connecting panel below the front bumper, which is integrated with the front skirt of the car body. A suitable air intake is designed in the middle to increase airflow and reduce the air pressure under the car.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and we usually call that plastic panel at the front of the car the front bumper. It mainly covers the front end of the vehicle, serving to absorb impact during minor collisions and protect internal components from damage. I've noticed that many new drivers often accidentally scrape it while parking, leading to cracks or paint chips, which then require a trip to the repair shop for a replacement. The advantage of plastic material is that it's lightweight and inexpensive, but the downside is that it's prone to wear and tear. So, I recommend checking it for cracks during regular car washes to prevent small issues from becoming serious. Additionally, the design of the front bumper varies among different car models. For example, SUVs may have sturdier bumpers, while sedans feature more streamlined ones, affecting the overall appearance. When you see scratches on other cars on the road, it's mostly this component that's to blame.
