What is the name of the grill on a car?
The grill on a car is the front radiator grille—the opening that admits air to the radiator and engine bay. In common usage, it’s simply called the grille (grill in American spelling).
What is a car grille and what does it do?
The grille is a vital cooling point for the engine. It allows air to flow through to the radiator, helping regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Beyond function, the grille is a key design element that signals a brand’s identity, with shapes ranging from slim slats to large mesh patterns.
Below are the terms and concepts you’re likely to encounter when discussing car grilles.
- Radiator grille — the primary opening that feeds air to the radiator for engine cooling.
- Front grille — the broader term for the grille assembly at the nose of a car.
- Grille shell and surround — the frame or bezel that encases the opening and supports slats or mesh.
- Grille pattern options — horizontal bars, vertical bars, mesh, or honeycomb designs.
- Grille vs grill spelling — regional differences in spelling and usage.
In short, the grille is both a cooling component and a signature design element, generally referred to as the radiator grille in formal contexts.
Design styles and notable features
Car grilles come in a variety of designs that reflect engineering choices and brand aesthetics. The following styles are among the most common on contemporary vehicles.
- Horizontal bar grilles — a classic look often paired with chrome or satin finishes.
- Vertical bar grilles — common on European luxury brands and some performance cars.
- Mesh or honeycomb grilles — favored for airflow and a sporty or aggressive appearance.
- Open or large intake grilles — used on performance models to maximize cooling; often integrated with badges.
- Active grille shutters — a recent technology that can close or open sections of the grille to optimize aerodynamics and engine temperature.
Overall, grille design balances airflow, cooling needs, and the automaker’s visual identity, with variations across models and generations.
Active grille shutters and technology trends
Active grille shutters participate in modern efficiency strategies, reducing drag at speed and improving fuel economy or electric range. They are commonly controlled by the vehicle’s powertrain management system and adapt to driving conditions.
Terminology and regional spelling
Language around the component varies by region. In the United States, “grill” is the common spelling for the front opening and associated accessories, while most of the rest of the world uses “grille.” The official term in automotive documentation is often “radiator grille” or simply “grille.”
- Grille: spelling used in many countries, reflecting the French-derived term for the decorative or functional front opening.
- Grill: American spelling, widely understood in the U.S. and many English-speaking markets.
- Radiator grille: formal term describing the primary function of the opening in cooling the radiator.
In practice, the word you use will usually be understood by mechanics and designers, with “grille” serving as the formal, design-oriented term in most professional contexts.
Summary
The name of the grill on a car is most accurately described as the radiator grille—the front grille that channels air to the radiator. Colloquially, it’s simply called the grille or grill, and its design is a defining element of a vehicle’s identity. Spelling varies by region, but the function remains the same: cooling, protection, and brand presentation.
Summary of key points: The car grille is the front opening, often called the radiator grille; designs vary from horizontal/vertical bars to mesh; active grille shutters are a trend in energy efficiency; spelling differences exist between grille and grill by region.
