When it comes to differentiating factors in a vehicle, many things are considered when making one distinctively unique. Whether it’s color, body style, wheels, or what have you, certain things of varying qualities will make you know a vehicle is what it is. One of those things happen to be the grille. The often grate-like metallic or plastic apparatus that is seen on the front of all cars and trucks. Given the functional purpose of the grille however, why are some made of plastic at all?

grille

Grilles are a very important component within a car, not just a cool looking screen. They protect the engine compartment, and in some cases lights, from dirt, rocks, large objects, and other debris which can damage the car parts. In addition to that, it also allows for air to pass through and cool off the parts. It needs to be made of a material that can withstand constant battering from the elements. And plastic is actually a very good material for that.

grille

In many cases, plastic is often seen as a cheaper and generally lesser material than metal, but in the case of practicality and durability, plastic may actually have an advantage over metal, especially in automotive manufacturing. Plastic is ultimately cheaper to produce and manipulate than metal. It’s also a lighter material, making for more of an energy efficient ride. It’s also corrosion resistant, which comes in handy, as the grille will come into contact with a multitude of substances that would cause metals to deteriorate. Furthermore, replacing a damaged grille is much less expensive when it's plastic, as opposed to a billet aluminum grille like the ones found on Bentleys.

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Aside from the durability factor of plastic grilles, they also offer a stylistic aspect to any automobile. Often times, drivers will customize their grilles to fit what they think would look best on their car. With plastic, it’s much easier to design any shape desired for a given vehicle. The benefits of plastics used on a vehicle's exterior are significant. So don’t think of a plastic grille as cheapening your ride, think of it in terms of saving you money as well as extending the life of it.