Choosing the Best Type of Grill Guard for Your Vehicle
Grill guards do more than just give your vehicle style and a sporty look; they can protect your vehicle in case of a collision and also keep debris and other potentially damaging elements away from your headlights. This reduces the risk of having a headlight crack and needing to be replaced, which can be expensive. Grill guards are also good for off-roading, as they can push down tall brush and weeds and make it easier for your vehicle to get through. When you're ready to shop for grill guards, note a few different types you might find and a few tips on which might be the best for you.
Full front end grill guards
These grill guards are just what the name implies; they cover the full front end of your vehicle and wrap slightly around the edges, for the most protection. They will cover the vehicle grill and headlights and may have mounting available for added fog lights. Full front end guards usually bolt right to the frame of the car and may be best installed by a professional, to ensure they are bolted on properly without causing damage to the car body and to ensure you don't get a set that is too heavy for your vehicle in particular.
Center grill guards
These guards fit the center of the vehicle, but they don't typically wrap around the headlights and onto the side of the vehicle. They offer protection in case of collision and help to deflect debris that might cause damage to the front, and they may have added mountings for additional fog lights. They can be a good choice when you want protection for your vehicle without the overwhelming look of a full guard, and most are relatively easy to install so you can usually manage this job on your own.
Nudge or sport bars
Nudge bars are smaller than actual grill bars and don't offer much protection for headlights, but they're good for protecting you against low-impact collisions and for off-roading. The curved design from top to bottom helps to tamp down brush when you're off the road. These bars are also very lightweight and easy to install on your own.
Bumper guards
These guards sit low on your car but are wide enough to cover the bumper; they're meant for protecting the bumper against collisions and dents and dings. They don't curve under your car, so they're not meant for off-roading, but if you commute in busy traffic or park in a crowded parking garage and are at risk for a fender-bender accident, they can protect your car from a costly bumper repair.
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