Why aren't cars equipped with bug screens from the factory?
3 Answers
An automotive bug screen is a very fine protective mesh. Installing one would inevitably affect the radiator's airflow cooling, leading to reduced heat dissipation efficiency of the radiator. However, bug screens are not entirely useless. In rural areas with many insects or during spring when willow catkins fill the air, installing a bug screen can serve a certain purpose. Here's more information: 1. If a bug screen is installed: The owner should regularly remove and clean the protective mesh to prevent excessive accumulation of debris, which could impair the radiator's cooling. 2. If no bug screen is installed: The owner should still regularly clean the engine compartment, especially the condenser and radiator.
The car doesn't come with a bug screen from the factory. I asked the 4S店 technician about this. The main reason is that manufacturers prioritize cooling efficiency. The fine mesh of a bug screen can block some airflow, and prolonged high-speed driving may lead to insufficient radiator cooling. Additionally, most urban roads in China don't have severe insect problems, so it's only necessary for long-distance or郊区 driving. Manufacturers don't think it's necessary to uniformly install them to增加成本. I bought a几十块的 screen on淘宝 myself, and installation is very simple. I put it on before高速 driving in summer and just rinse off the dead bugs with water when I return. But be careful not to buy a screen that's too dense, as it can真的影响散热. Regular cleaning of the radiator fins is actually more important than installing a screen, as leaves and dust堵塞 can cause more damage to the car.
Last time I got my car serviced, I specifically asked the mechanic about this. They said not installing a bug screen is because it might interfere with the collision safety system. Nowadays, many cars have millimeter-wave radars and sensors hidden in the front grille, and adding a mesh layer could affect signal accuracy. Moreover, the original factory design underwent wind resistance testing, and adding a screen might increase fuel consumption by about 1%. However, for someone like me who often drives on mountain roads, I still installed a bug screen at the auto parts market, as cleaning insect remains from the radiator gaps is too troublesome. It's recommended to choose a stainless steel mesh with larger holes and remove it for rinsing once a month. If you find it troublesome for a new car, promptly using a high-pressure water gun to clean the radiator after each long trip is also effective.
