What is the plastic panel under the front bumper called?

[VonDylan]

The black plastic panel is called an air deflector. The air deflector is secured to the bottom of the bumper with clips or screws. If the air deflector becomes damaged or lost during vehicle use, it can be purchased separately and installed at the bottom of the vehicle's bumper for normal operation. Additional information: Bumper function: The primary purpose of an automobile bumper is decorative, and it also serves to absorb and mitigate external impacts. It effectively protects the vehicle's body and the safety of its occupants. Modern vehicles use plastic materials for bumpers, which minimizes harm to pedestrians in case of contact, reducing pedestrian injuries. Air deflector function: To reduce the lift generated when a car is driven at high speeds, automotive designers have not only improved the car's exterior design but also installed downward-sloping connecting panels under the front bumper. These panels are integrated with the front skirt of the car body, featuring appropriately sized air inlets to increase airflow and reduce air pressure under the car.

[SanLeo]

I've been in the auto repair industry for over a decade, and many car owners have asked me about this. That plastic panel under the front bumper is commonly referred to in our field as the 'front bumper underguard' or simply the 'underguard.' It's not just a decorative piece—its main purpose is to protect the components in the engine bay from damage caused by road debris, puddles, and other hazards, while also helping to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency. Once, a friend of mine went driving in the mountains, and the underguard got torn open by tree roots, leading to water entering the cooling pipes and costing a fortune to fix. I recommend car owners regularly check this panel by taking a quick look underneath. If you notice any cracks or missing pieces, replace it promptly—usually costing just a few dozen to a few hundred bucks—to avoid small issues turning into big headaches. Most underguards are made of ABS plastic, which is lightweight and durable, but if you're off-roading or driving on rough roads, be extra cautious to avoid turning it into a liability.

[MacColin]

I'm a newbie driver who just started driving. Last month, while reversing, I scraped the curb and knocked the plastic panel under the front of my car out of place. After checking some info, I found out it's called the 'front bumper lower trim,' which serves to block wind and sand and provides some underbody protection. It was my first time dealing with this, and I was at a total loss. The 4S shop mechanic said minor deformations can be straightened, but if there's a hole, it needs replacement. Got me thinking—why is it made of plastic? Lightweight and cheap, of course! Daily driving over potholes requires extra caution; this part is super fragile. Like in my case, replacing it plus labor cost just over 200 bucks. During regular car washes, remember to rinse it clean to avoid dust buildup and corrosion on the underbody.

[StIsabelle]

As a modification enthusiast, we call the plastic panel under the front bumper a "chin spoiler", and the design selection is quite particular during modification. I've personally tried carbon fiber and ABS plastic parts - the former offers lightweight benefits and improves aerodynamics, making city driving smoother. Installation requires proper height adjustment; setting it too low risks scraping. Standard parts are cheap and easy to replace, but for performance-oriented cars I'd choose versions with airflow channels. When driving in rural areas, watch out for branches and gravel - any scratches mean immediate repairs. Don't cut corners when selecting accessories to avoid body damage.

[DeRafael]

I've been driving for half my life, and this plastic shield under the front bumper, often called the "front apron" by veteran drivers, serves to prevent mud and water from splashing into the engine compartment. Once, a colleague didn't notice a crack in it, and rainwater leakage led to rust and a major overhaul. Made mainly of soft plastic, it's lightweight and practical but requires regular checks. Maintenance is simple—just wipe it with a damp cloth. If it breaks, a roadside stall can replace it for a few dozen bucks—don't lose big over small things.