The rubber air-dam is part of the underspoiler which deflects air under the car and smooths out airflow under the car to increase aerodynamic response and decrease resistance. In a small degree, it also deflects air into the engine compartment to assist with cooling - but to a very very small degree. Beside this, what's that rubber thing under the front bumper?
It is designed to be a sacrificial part and must be replaced if damaged in a collision. Front Bumper Valances by Replace®. A bumper valance, also known as an air dam or rear spoiler, is a panel located below the bumper, usually installed for decorative or aerodynamic purposes.
Additionally, what is the plastic under the front of the car called? The engine splash shield is a plastic or metal protective panel installed on the underside of a vehicle engine. It protects critical under-car parts, particularly engine components, that can get damaged because of exposure to the elements and kicked up road debris.
Similarly, you may ask, what does a bumper valance do?
Valance panels are thin and slim pieces found under the car bumpers. Its primary purpose is to direct airflow or filler body panels.
What is a front spoiler for?
Front spoilers: A front spoiler (air dam) is positioned under or integrated with the front bumper. In racing, this spoiler is used to control the dynamics of handling related to the air in front of the vehicle. This can be to improve the drag coefficient of the body of the vehicle at speed, or to generate downforce.
Related Question Answers
Are Mercedes bumpers plastic?
The bumper is an injection molded semi-rigid plastic. Prep the inside of the cover in the cracked/torn area with an 80 grit sanding disc. Rough-up an area a couple inches either side of the crack. How important is the plastic under your car?
A plastic undercarriage cover is designed to protect the wires and sensors that are included with newer cars and trucks. With cables that hang down and sensors that stick out, there's always a chance that a branch or road debris will snag something important and sever a wire or disconnect a crucial component. What is a bumper cover replacement?
A bumper cover is a fitting, typically made from plastic or fiberglass, that fits over the actual bumper of a vehicle. Bumper covers are available in a variety of colors and styles to fit specific types of vehicles. Can a crack in a bumper be repaired?
Nearly every cracked plastic bumper can be repaired, and usually for less than half the cost of a new bumper. While almost every cracked bumper can be repaired, it isn't always practical. A plastic bumper crack repair job requires a special plastic welding technique plus the application of structural adhesives. Can you drive without a bumper valance?
Most state laws require automobiles to have front bumpers. That means that if you remove your car's front bumper and drive around, you could get a ticket. California's law is typical. How much does it cost to replace the front lower valance?
OEM replacements typically cost anywhere between $30 and $2,400. These are often sold individually, in sets of 2 and 3, or as part of a kit. Installation of valance panels on older vehicles may require the expertise of a trusted mechanic. What is a bumper skirt?
Bumper skirts are a useful addition to your car if you're concerned about performance. Drivers use bumper skirts to help the aerodynamics of their vehicles. Since bumper skirts are installed underneath the vehicle, they're vulnerable to curbs, speed bumps, large potholes, and other obstacles on the road. What is a bumper absorber?
The bumper absorber is located behind the decorative plastic bumper cover. As its name implies, the bumper absorber takes up the impact energy in a collision, to protect valuable body and mechanical components behind it. It is designed to be a sacrificial part and must be replaced if damaged in a collision. Do front air dams work?
FRONT AIR DAM An air dam can be one of those magic improvements, increasing downforce and reducing drag at the same time. It can also improve engine cooling by increasing the air flow rate through the radiator. An air dam can increase downforce by reducing the average air pressure under the car. What is a bumper bracket?
A bumper bracket is the part which keeps your bumper firmly on your car. You usually have more than one, and these metal pieces attach to the front and sides of your car's frame. Because the brackets are responsible for keeping your bumper where it belongs, it is important to replace them after an accident. Is an air dam necessary?
An air dam could increase the aerodynamic features of your vehicle and improve your mileage. This improvement, however, is minor; you would do better to properly inflate your tires. If your car comes pre-installed with an air dam, it probably isn't worth it to take it off unless you intend on doing off-road driving. 
