The car is a complex machine – we don’t even have to say that, because it’s obvious. But it is so complex, that you probably know less about it than you think. Sure, there are the obvious auto body parts that everyone has heard. You know about the fenders, the hood, the engine. You may even know what the hydraulics do. But how much do you know about the bumper valance?
Also known as a valance panel, this auto body part may sound like a new addition to the vehicle’s design, but is actually quite an old one. Car manufacturers use it for some slightly different reasons, but generally they have to do with air flow. Or more precisely – aerodynamics.
Where Is The Valance Panel Located?
If you want to check out whether your vehicle has such panels, you should look both at the front and rear bumpers. Keep in mind that in certain cases the bumper valance may consist of two separate pieces for each single bumper. These would be placed at the sides of the bumper and won’t cover it in its entirety.
What Is Their Purpose Specifically?
These pieces are more prominent on sporty vehicles, but can be noticed on some others as well. The thing is that although their main purpose is to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency, this is not always the case. Since they are also an aesthetic additions, they may also be used as a way to conceal certain points on the vehicle, such as the lower part of the radiator.
Using the bumper valance as a cosmetic and protective auto body part is even more prominent on the rear bumper. There it may be used as a cover that connects two exhausts on sports cars, or simply as a lower bumper cover to give the car a more complete aesthetic.
What Are Bumper Valances Made Of?
If your valance panel is an aftermarket piece it will likely be different from the material of the bumper. Otherwise most manufacturers use the same materials that are used for the construction of the bumper. Many people can’t even notice where the bumper ends and the valance begins.
On newer vehicles plastic bumpers are more prominent and so are plastic valances. However, if you have an older vehicle with a vintage steel bumper, the likelihood of the valance also being still is quite high.
Because newer valances are made out of plastic and are positioned relatively low, they can get easily damaged. While this won’t necessarily affect the aerodynamics all that much, it does hurt the looks of your car. If that bothers you your best bet is to get the entire valance replaced. These auto body parts are not very expensive and the process is fairly simple as well. So there is no point in sacrificing the integrity of the rest of the valance and the bumper. Just get a new one!