You May Know These, But Your Kids Might Not: What To Tell Your New Drivers About Grilles
Posted on: 25 January 2017
Auto grilles, or grills, are such an integral part of your car that you likely don't really notice the grille on your car, and any maintenance is second nature to you. However, if you have kids just learning to drive and learning how to handle cars, they aren't going to realize that there are a few things they need to know about the grille and how it can make or break the car's engine. When you're next talking to your children about their cars, show them these grille-related issues and ensure they know how to handle them.
Inspect for Road Debris
The grille allows air to flow toward and over the engine, helping to keep parts like the radiator a little bit cooler. Sometimes when you're driving along and pass flying debris like plastic bags or papers, you end up with debris stuck in the grille. Not only does that make the car look bad, but it can block that airflow. When leaving a car, it's helpful to glance at the grille to ensure there's nothing stuck in there.
Parking Uphill in the Rain
That the grille helps direct airflow across the engine is a sign that the engine is open to whatever can get through the grille. The main risk here is rain and snow. While a little bit of moisture won't do much (think of all the water that's been splashed onto your car as you drive on rainy days), you do want to protect the front of the car from too much moisture. If the car is parked facing uphill on a fairly steep hill, and it starts to rain, you risk getting a lot of water dripping into the engine. Again, the hill has to be fairly steep; a mild incline won't angle the car upward enough to allow that much water into the main engine compartment. Teach your kids to cover the car when they park it or to move it as soon as they find out it's raining or snowing if the car is parked facing uphill.
Dents and Holes
Don't forget about hail! Small hail won't do much, but larger hail can dent the grille. That makes it look bad and devalues the car. Any hail that you wouldn't want hitting your windshield shouldn't hit your grille either. Another risk is from stones and road debris flying up and hitting the grille. Every so often, you and your kids should walk around the car and note any new dents, including in the grille. If you notice any issues with the grille at that time, make sure to take it into an auto repair shop.
The grille sounds like a small part of the car, but it plays a large role in protecting the engine and making the car look fantastic. As your children learn more about caring for cars, be sure they know about the grille.
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