What is the plastic panel under the car's front windshield called?
4 Answers
The plastic panel under the car's front windshield is called the windshield lower trim panel or the windshield rain tray. Its main function is to drain the water wiped by the wipers through the drainage holes at the bottom to the underside of the car, preventing accumulation. The windshield rain tray is mainly made of rubber and plastic. Over time, exposure to sunlight and rain can cause it to age, leading to gaps between the rain tray and the windshield, as well as clogged drainage holes, resulting in water accumulation. Accumulated water can leak into the engine compartment and transmission area, causing water ingress or rust in related components, which may affect the normal operation of the vehicle. In severe cases, water may even flow into the car through the air conditioning intake, causing floor flooding. Therefore, during daily use, it is important to avoid exposing the rain tray to direct sunlight and to promptly clean any debris accumulated in the gaps to maintain cleanliness. If the drainage holes of the rain tray become clogged, the owner can use a wire or other hard object to unclog them. Special care should be taken when cleaning the drainage holes hidden under the rubber sealing strips to avoid damaging the seals. Alternatively, a syringe and catheter injection method can be used for cleaning. Fill the syringe with clean water, insert the catheter into the drainage hole, and quickly inject the water into the hose. Repeat this process several times to complete the cleaning.
That small plastic panel is usually called the windshield lower trim, or some people refer to it as the front windshield guard. It's located right below the windshield, adjacent to the rear edge of the hood. As someone who's driven for years, I think it's easily overlooked but actually important. Its main function is to cover the engine compartment entrance, preventing leaves, rainwater, and debris from falling in. I remember one rainy season when I didn't clean it, leaves accumulated and clogged the wiper motor - it took me about an hour to clean it all out later. When washing your car, it's best to wipe its surface with a damp cloth to keep it smooth and prevent plastic aging cracks. I recommend car owners check the fastening screws quarterly to avoid excessive noise or water leakage issues during high-speed driving.
In the repair community, we all call it the windshield lower plastic panel, or cowl cover for short. It's mostly made of lightweight heat-resistant plastic, designed to protect the wiper system and air intake structure. For instance, after driving for a while, you'll notice it tends to accumulate sludge or leaf debris underneath. Once clogged, it may affect the air conditioning airflow or cause odors. Having dealt with numerous car issues, I recommend regularly lifting it gently to clean the interior, avoiding hard tools to prevent damage. Also, pay attention to the sealing at the seams; if it shows signs of aging, replace it promptly to avoid water seepage during rain, which could corrode electrical components.
Hey, that plastic thing is just below the windshield and a bit above the hood, I usually call it the front windshield plastic cover. As a young driver, I find it super prone to attracting dust and debris. After just a few trips, fallen leaves pile up there, which not only looks unpleasant but also affects my mood. Just give it a quick wipe during regular car washes, but remember not to scrub too hard to avoid scratching the surface. Occasionally, my friend's car had wiper noise issues, which might have been caused by this panel not being securely fixed, interfering with moving parts. A simple fix can solve the problem.
