What is a bezel on a car? Have you ever seen a car with a small strip of trim around the headlights or tail lights and wondered what it was? This strip of trim is called a bezel, and it serves an important purpose in protecting your car from the elements.
The bezel can also give your car an extra touch of style, but more importantly it provides protection against moisture, dirt and dust from entering critical areas of the vehicle like the headlights and taillights. When driving in wet or dusty conditions, these components are at risk for damage if they are not properly sealed. A bezel can provide this extra level of protection for these components.
In this article, we’ll discuss what a bezel is, why it’s important for your vehicle, and how to tell if your car needs one. We’ll also teach you how to install a bezel yourself if needed.
By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge you need to keep your car looking great and running safely. So let’s get started!
A bezel is a trim piece that is found around the edge of a car’s headlights or tail lights. It helps to give the vehicle a finished, polished look and also provides protection from the elements.
What Does a Bezel Do on a Car?
A bezel is an exterior trim piece that’s fitted around the edge of a car body panel. It’s usually found around the edges of the bonnet, grille, headlights, or tail lights. It can also be used on other parts of the car body such as around the windows and doors. The purpose of the bezel is to provide protection and add aesthetic appeal to the car.
Bezels come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Commonly used materials include plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum. The material used depends on the style of car and its intended use. Plastic bezels are lightweight and inexpensive but may not last as long as other materials. Stainless steel is more durable but adds weight to the vehicle. Aluminum offers a balance between weight and durability.
The main purpose of bezels is to protect vulnerable areas of a car from damage caused by rocks or other debris thrown up by passing vehicles. They can also provide a barrier against rusting due to exposure to dirt or water. Some styles also have aesthetic appeal, adding a touch of style to a vehicle.
Bezels can come with additional features such as built-in LED lights for improved visibility at night or chrome trim for added sparkle in daylight hours. They can also provide extra protection against sun damage by deflecting UV rays away from sensitive parts of the car.
In summary:
- Bezels are exterior trim pieces that are fitted around edges of car body panels.
- They provide protection and add aesthetic appeal.
- Common materials used for bezels include plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum.
- The main purpose is to protect vulnerable parts from debris and rusting.
- Some styles come with additional features such as LED lights or chrome trim for added sparkle.
- Bezels also provide extra protection against sun damage by deflecting UV rays away from sensitive parts. Types of Bezel on Cars
- Flush Mounts:
- Halo Rings:
- Cracking and Splitting: Car bezels can become cracked or split due to exposure to extreme temperatures or physical impacts. This can cause them to look unsightly and can make them less effective at protecting the body.
- Discoloration: Car bezels may discolor over time due to exposure to the elements or UV rays. This can make your car look old and faded.
- Fading: The color of car bezels may fade due to exposure to sunlight or other sources of UV radiation. This can make your car look dull and aged.
- Peeling: Car bezels may start to peel away from their mounting points due to age or excessive force being applied. This can make them less effective at protecting the body.
- Look for OEM replacement parts.
The bezel is an important part of the car’s exterior design and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Bezels are often made from plastic or metal, and can have a wide range of functions, from decorative to functional. Here are some of the most common types of bezels found on cars.
Chrome Bezels: Chrome bezels are one of the most popular types of bezels found on cars today. They are typically made from plastic or metal and feature a chrome finish that adds a touch of sophistication to the car’s exterior. Chrome bezels can be found on headlights, grilles, bumpers, and other parts of the car.
Honeycomb Grille: A honeycomb grille is another type of bezel that is often seen on cars. This type of grille is characterized by its distinctive hexagonal pattern, which gives it an eye-catching look. Honeycomb grilles are often made from plastic or aluminum and can be found in many different colors and finishes.
Mesh Grille: Mesh grilles are another type of bezel that is commonly seen on cars. These grilles feature small holes or slots that allow air to flow through them, improving aerodynamics and cooling efficiency. Mesh grilles come in a variety of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, and more.
Blackout Grille: Blackout grilles are becoming increasingly popular as they offer an aggressive look to the vehicle’s exterior design. These grilles feature blacked-out frames with either solid black inserts or translucent inserts depending on the model. Blackout grilles can help give your car a unique look.
Flush mounts are another type of bezel that is commonly used for headlights and tail lights on cars today. These mounts provide a sleek look by allowing the lights to sit flush with the surface they are affixed to, creating a seamless design element.
Halo rings are another common type of bezel found on cars today. These rings typically feature LEDs or other lighting elements that surround the headlights or tail lights to give them an illuminated look when turned on at night.<
Replacing a Bezel on a Car
A car bezel is a trim piece that covers the area around things such as air vents, radio knobs, and window switches. Over time, these plastic bezels can become cracked or broken. Replacing them is fairly straightforward and can easily be done with just a few steps.
First, you need to identify which bezel needs to be replaced. Usually, it will be obvious from its appearance that it’s cracked or broken and in need of replacing. If not, simply look at your car’s owner’s manual to find out what type of bezel you have and where it is located in your vehicle.
Once you have identified the correct part, you can begin the replacement process. Start by removing any screws or clips that are holding the old bezel in place. You may need to use a screwdriver or pliers for this step.
Next, take the new bezel and fit it into place where the old one was located. Make sure that all of the clips or screws line up properly with their corresponding holes so that they can easily be placed into position.
Finally, put all of the screws or clips back in place to secure the new bezel firmly in its location. Once this is done, your car should look as good as new!
The Benefits of Installing New Bezels on Your Car
Installing new bezels on your car can have a number of benefits. Bezels are the plastic trim pieces that form a protective barrier around the headlights, tail lights, and other external lighting fixtures. By installing new bezels, you can make your car look more attractive and protect its components from damage caused by dirt and debris. Here are some of the benefits of installing new bezels on your car:
Improved Appearance: Bezels can dramatically improve the appearance of your car by adding a touch of class and sophistication to its exterior. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to fit any style or design preference.
Protection From Damage: By providing an extra layer of protection from dirt and debris, new bezels can help keep your headlights and tail lights looking like new for longer. This is especially important for cars that are frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions or off-roading.
Added Safety: Installing new bezels can also improve safety when driving in poor visibility conditions. With their protective barriers, lights are less likely to become damaged or obscured when driving in dimly lit areas or foggy weather.
Easy Installation: Installing new bezels is typically a simple process that requires no special tools or expertise. Most models come with instructions that provide step-by-step guidance on how to install them correctly.
Affordable Upgrades: Bezels are relatively inexpensive compared to other car upgrades such as paint jobs or updated suspension systems. You can find affordable models that offer great value for money while still providing excellent protection and improved appearance.
Common Problems With Car Bezels
Car bezels are the plastic or metal trim pieces that border the outer edges of car windows, doors, and other panels. They protect the body from scratches, dents, and other damage. Unfortunately, car bezels can become damaged over time due to wear and tear. Here are some of the most common problems associated with car bezels:
It is important to regularly inspect your car’s bezel for any signs of damage and replace them if necessary. Damaged bezels should not only be replaced for aesthetic reasons but also for safety reasons as they are an important part of keeping your car protected from damage.
How to Clean and Maintain Car Bezels
Caring for your car’s bezels is easy and necessary to keep them looking their best. Bezels, or mouldings, are plastic trims that frame the windows, headlights and grille of your car. To keep them looking their best, you must clean and maintain them regularly. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your car bezels.
Clean the Bezel
Start by using a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris from the bezel. Then, use a mild soap and water solution to gently scrub away any remaining dirt or dust. Rinse off the soap with clean water and dry the bezel with a soft cloth.
Polish the Bezel
Once the bezel is dry, apply a plastic polish to it using a microfiber cloth. This will help to restore its shine and prevent it from becoming dull over time. Be sure to follow the directions on the polish you choose.
Protect the Bezel
To protect your bezel from further damage, apply a coat of wax or sealant to it. This will help protect it from scratches, sun damage, and other elements that can degrade its appearance.
Replace Damaged Bezels
If you notice that your bezels are cracked or chipped, replace them as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage from occurring and keep your car looking its best.
How to Choose the Right Type of Car Bezel for Your Vehicle
A car bezel is a decorative trim piece that is often found around headlights, fog lights, and other openings. It can be used to improve the look of your vehicle by adding a touch of style. Bezels come in various shapes and sizes and can be made from different materials such as stainless steel, chrome, or plastic. When choosing the right type of bezel for your vehicle, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Size: Bezels come in a variety of sizes, so you must measure the opening before deciding on a bezel. Make sure that you get one that fits properly.
- Material: Different materials offer different levels of protection and durability. Stainless steel is more durable than plastic but may cost more. Chrome is often used for its aesthetic appeal but may not be as durable.
- Design: There are many different designs to choose from, including those with intricate patterns or simple designs. It’s important to find one that matches the overall look of your vehicle.
Once you have considered these factors, it is time to select a bezel for your vehicle. There are many different styles available on the market today, so take your time in selecting one that best suits your needs. When installing the bezel, make sure that it fits properly and securely before driving off.
Conclusion
A bezel on a car is a trim piece that is used to enhance the look of the vehicle. It can be found in many different styles and can be customized for a unique look. Bezels are often made from chrome or stainless steel, but some cars use other materials such as plastic. Bezels protect the area around a car’s headlights, taillights, bumpers, and grills to prevent dirt and debris from entering and damaging the components. They also can be used for decorative purposes to add an extra touch of style to your car.
Installing a bezel on your car is relatively easy, but you should always consult with a professional if you have any questions or doubts about doing it yourself. Check the owner’s manual of your vehicle before attempting to install any new parts, as some vehicles require specialized tools or procedures for installation.
Overall, bezels are an important part of any car’s overall aesthetic appeal, and they can help protect components from dirt and debris as well. Installing one yourself can give your car an extra touch of style and make it stand out from other vehicles on the road.
Before taking on any project involving vehicles, always do your research first and make sure you have all the necessary tools and instructions ready ahead of time. Safety should always come first when working with cars.
About the author
William Getty lives and breathes cars. He started driving cars as a 12 year old on the racetrack with his dad. Since then cars has always been a big part of Williams life.
In his garage you can find his beloved 2005 Ford Mustang, as well as a 2020 Audi A3.
