Protect Your Front End with a Grille Guard or Bull Bar

DIY, Exterior  /   /  By Mark Bach

A grille guard or bull bar is both practical and stylish. Whether in chrome, stainless steel, or black, these front-end pieces look great while adding another layer of safety and protection for your grille, lighting, and radiator.

A grille guard is usually a set of metal tubes with two or more vertical bars and several horizontal bars. They are designed to protect the vehicle’s front end from anything that might crash or bump into the front of your vehicle. Bigger grilles provide more protection.

Some grille guards come in a single, fully-assembled piece.

Some front-fascia pieces are made from plastic to save weight, but those can break too easily. So instead, we recommend a rugged metal construction. That said, guards made from rigid, heavy-duty ABS plastic can also withstand a lot of punishment.

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One Size Does Not Fit All

This heavy-duty plastic grille is made for Jeeps.

Grille guards (or brush guards) are not just for off-roaders. These metal protectors can save a vehicle from a wayward shopping cart or a kiss from another car maneuvering into a tight parking spot.

A slight ding or bump on a grille guard will be less offensive than a big dent in your grille.

Take note: Grille guards are designed for specific models with mounting points that connect to particular spots on the frame. These parts also often include a screen to cover the radiator.

Some grille guards provide an easy way to mount additional lighting.

Also, these guards are designed to allow your headlights to shine without obstruction. Many guards also have pre-drilled holes to mount exterior lighting, such as fog lights.

Consider a Bull Bar

It takes time, but you can save money by buying a grille that requires assembly.

Grille guards come in chrome or stainless steel, along with various colors. But they are predominantly black.

Some guards need to be assembled. Choose one that can be easily installed in an afternoon.

A bull bar blends with the vehicle fascia while providing protection.

If you don’t want the complete protection offered by a grille guard, then a bull bar might work for you. Bull bars cover a shorter width of the truck and only extend up from the bottom of the grille for about one foot. They protect your grille from straight-on contact, but off-center impacts can sometimes get through.

Bull bars and nudge bars come in a variety of styles. Choose one that reflects the vibe of your machine, from sporty to ultra-rugged.

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About the Author

Mark C. Bach has oil in his veins and remembers feeler gauges and brake springs. He has a love for all things that move, especially old-school muscle cars. Bach writes for a variety of outlets, including Chevy Classics and FuelCurve.com, and maintains Route66pubco.com.