What is the purpose of an active grille shutter?
2 Answers
Active grille shutter functions: It can close under certain conditions and automatically open in others. The active grille shutter helps reduce aerodynamic drag when the vehicle is in motion and allows the engine to warm up quickly, thereby improving engine efficiency. Many vehicles are equipped with active grille shutters, which feature sensors and operate without driver intervention. When the engine is first started and at lower temperatures, the active grille shutter closes to help the engine reach optimal temperature faster. Once the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, the shutter opens to facilitate engine cooling. Additionally, the active grille shutter reduces air resistance during driving.
The active grille shutter functions by automatically adjusting airflow into the engine compartment, significantly optimizing daily driving experience. I've noticed that during cold starts, it closes the grille to help the engine warm up faster, enabling quicker heating supply in winter. At highway speeds, partial closure reduces aerodynamic drag and improves fuel efficiency - I've saved considerable fuel costs on long trips, averaging 1-2 liters less per 100km. It also reduces wind noise for a quieter cabin, noticeably enhancing driving comfort. However, this feature relies on electronic systems and may accumulate dust or become sticky after prolonged disuse, so regular cleaning maintenance is recommended to ensure smooth operation. Overall it's an intelligent design that brings efficiency and cost benefits to average car owners.