Older trucks’ heating and cooling systems weren’t as efficient and effective as they are today. In the winter months, drivers would cover a portion of the grill to limit the amount of frigid air flowing through the radiator to help keep the engine temperature high enough to provide sufficient heat to the cab.
What does a winter grill cover do?
The cold environment lends to a reduced risk of overheating. Preventing air flow through the radiator grill helps reduce drag coefficient on some vehicles, which helps improve fuel economy.
Why do truckers put cardboard on their grills?
TOM: So when it’s bitterly cold out and you cover up the grill with cardboard, you’re preventing the frigid outside air from blowing through it, and keeping the coolant inside the radiator from dropping to the temperature of the outside air.
What is the purpose of a grill cover?
A grill cover protects your grill from the weather elements. Keeping rain and snow off of your grill is key to long term care, and it will also ensure that your grill doesn’t develop rust on any of its parts. Especially if you live in an area where it snows, a grill cover comes in super handy.
Why do diesels have grill covers?
Its to keep the heat in when idling. Stop your truck on a cold day and just idle and watch your temperature go down. Its the reason big trucks have high idle also. Another the big trucks also is because they have a line that bypasses the thermostat and goes straight to the radiator.
Do grill covers prevent rust?
A grill cover will help keep your grill looking good for years to come. You should cover your grill after every use once it has cooled down. While some worry that a grill cover will encourage rusting, this is a myth.
Why do cars have grills?
The purpose of a car grille
At the front of the vehicle is an opening that allows the air to move into the engine compartment. The air helps to cool the radiator and the engine, so nothing overheats. To cover that hole, manufacturers will install an accessory known as the car grille.
Is it OK to put cardboard in front of radiator?
The cardboard trick will reduce the cooling capacity of the radiator, resulting in a more uniform coolant temperature after the thermostat begins to open, and possibly even an operating temperature closer to full. When the thermostat is closed following cold engine startup, the cardboard should make no difference.
What is a winter Front?
Like a scarf protecting your neck from the cold, a Winterfront Grille Cover protects your truck. This cold weather essential reduces and redirects frigid cold air from flowing into your truck’s grille while still allowing adequate air to flow to all areas of the cooling system.
Can cardboard catch fire from radiator?
Generally no. Radiators are not hot enough to burn wood or paper.
Are grill covers bad?
In areas that experience weather like this, it can be a bad idea to cover your grill. Covering your grill can lead to said humidity being trapped under the cover and against the grill, leading to corrosion.
Is it okay for my grill to get rained on?
“Grill covers trap moisture and that can lead to mold,” say some…. “Your grill will rust if you cover it, covers get wet in the rain and stay wet long after the rain stops” say others…
Is it OK to use a grill with rust?
A grill with loose rust is not safe, as rust may stick to the food; a grate with minor surface rust can be cleaned and treated to continue using it. While ingesting rust may not likely cause harm from one meal, continuous ingestion may be problematic for the intestinal tract.
Do winter fronts work?
A: In extreme cold weather, winter fronts do help the vehicle warm up faster. … A better method to reduce airflow in the engine compartment is to cover the grille and the opening below the bumper with a winter front. This still allows some air through the radiator but blocks most of the cold air.
Is it bad for a car to run cold?
If you run your engine cold all the time, you’ll most likely experience increased fuel consumption across the board. Additionally, you’ll find higher amounts of carbon buildup at various parts of the engine. The most damaging effect of feeding a fuel-rich mixture to the engine is excess fuel reaching the exhaust.
Do diesels have thermostats?
Most, if not all, large diesel engines found in trucks and farm equipment employ a dual thermostat system. … Though a very effective system, unlike the grille shutters, you need to understand why dual thermostats are used and how to diagnose the cooling system.