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How important is the plastic air dam on 2014 sivlerado


Aznative

Question

I have a 2014 silverado 4x4 went through a low spot on dirt road (real slow) and the air dam tore on the right side at several mounting bolts, I have had to remove it. My 07 and 11 silverados had a larger air dam on front bumper but was a much more flexible plastic which would just bend out of the way and reset the 2014 has a stiff plastic and it tore!!

 

Was wondering how important is the front plastic air dam? was told it is nessecary during hot months especially when towing as it directs air up toward the radiator? but wondering what its real function is?

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I believe it's primary purpose is fuel economy. If removed, the loss of mpg will be noticeable mostly at highway speeds but a lot of guys just remove them because it looks better. I really don't think it has much affect on the cooling system.

 

There's some more info in this thread

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?/topic/156696-Front-Plastic-Air-Dam---Skirt---Valance

 

 

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The add on air dam is not to help fuel economy directly. It was added to help direct air flow to the radiator. This is not a new design item, it has been used for decades now. The reasoning doesn't change. I find it interesting that it is a bolt on item. It could just as easily been included in the part it is bolted to. Makes me wonder if maybe it is not included in all marketplaces. Can't imagine GM missed this extra expense item when doing cost analysis. It has to cost something to manufacture, ship, inventory, document, and warranty this item and its ancillary parts.

 

IMO, the only way it can indirectly impact fuel economy is if it is needed to help restore air flow that was impeded by the closed off front ends that are used to clean up the aerodynamics of the massive brick going down the road. The air dam is not increasing economy, it is patching up an issue created by trying to increase fuel economy.

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