Grills 101: What is a Grill?
In auto terms, a grill (also spelled grille) is a shielded opening in the outer shell of a vehicle designed to allow air flow. Most vehicles feature a grille at the front of the vehicle to allow air to stream over the radiator to cool the engine compartment. Other common grille locations include below the front bumper, in front of the wheels (to cool the brakes), or on the rear deck lid (in rear engine vehicles). Without grill openings your engine would soon overheat and need a very expensive overhaul. Also, unprotected grill openings would invite serious damage from road debris like flying rocks, metal parts and spilled loads. Thankfully, auto grills have mesh, slats or bars to deflect incoming objects. Unfortunately, original equipment grills may not be as stylish as you might like.
