Front mesh grill to protect radiators - DIY install

[carsly]

I've seen the gunk and crud that accumulates in the radiator grills of my ICE vehicles and it's not pleasant (or easy to clean). When I saw this radiator grill from EVbase I figured I'd give it a shot. Installation takes maybe 2 minutes (could probably be done in 30 seconds honestly) and it should keep debris out of the radiator area.



You could make a case that with active grill shutters less junk should get in there, and I'm inclined to agree. However, when junk does get in there how do you know? The grill shutters seem to be closed when parked. Maybe rip at a fast charger to force the grill shutters to open and then try to hit it with a leaf blower or hose? Feels like a bad idea.

Here is a direct product link (non-referral): Grille Mesh Insert for Rivian R1T/ R1S Radiator Protective Mesh Grille Panel Bug & Debris Protector

You can use my handle as your discount code if you're so inclined. It should knock off 20-30%.

Sponsored

 

[C.R. Rivian]

Not sure why the r1t would need this...please clarify. Thanks.

 

[carsly]

Not sure why the r1t would need this...please clarify. Thanks.

I find it's easier to pick leaves, twigs, and associated road-flung junk from a mesh grill insteal of fishing down into the radiator area - if you can even access it since the active shutters are typically closed when the vehicle is parked. If you live in areas without falling leaves and junk on the road then it may not be for you but in the Northeast we have a lot of leaves and road debris. A mesh screen is easier to clean and easier to replace than a damaged radiator.

It's no different than any other 'quality of life' upgrade like a different wireless phone charger, tinted windows, PPF, a built-in air compressor (vs. a portable one). Find what works for you. YMMV

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Not sure why the r1t would need this...please clarify. Thanks.

It doesn't. It's needed for those who drive through swarms of insects and would rather clean the screen instead of the grill along with rest of the car.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Interesting. I like it. Looks like it won't work in conjunction with the SnapPlate, however.

 

[CrazyOne]

That mesh is too fine and will likely block airflow. Bugs etc are usually not a major problem. Rocks can and do bend radiator fins. But I am not sure it's a problem for Rivian as its pretty high to get a lot of rocks.

 

[gerrylum]

Interesting. I like it. Looks like it won't work in conjunction with the SnapPlate, however.

Indeed it doesn't. I've been reviewing one for EVBase as well, but had to remove my SnapPlate. This is definitely a big negative.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Interesting. I like it. Looks like it won't work in conjunction with the SnapPlate, however.

That was my first thought. And it doesn't offer any convenience. If screen needs cleaning, chances are rest of the front needs cleaning too. So, fairly moot. Yet another EV Base product designed to make consumers think they need it, rather than meet an actual need. Long term, it might keep any radiators or heat exchangers cleaner and more efficient. So not totally moot I guess.

 

[carsly]

That was my first thought. And it doesn't offer any convenience. If screen needs cleaning, chances are rest of the front needs cleaning too. So, fairly moot. Yet another EV Base product designed to make consumers think they need it, rather than meet an actual need. Long term, it might keep any radiators or heat exchangers cleaner and more efficient. So not totally moot I guess.

Like any accessory, we each make our own choices. I've never seen the snap plate and am not sure why anyone would need it but the great thing about the accessory market is having options that suit each of our needs.

I don't like having to fish junk out of my radiators and a mesh grill insert is pretty common in the 911 world. I wish I had them on my X5M which, as you can see in the video, already has some accumulated junk and bent fins in just 8,000 road miles.

The R1 has a higher air intake (good) and while the active shutters can keep debris out if closed (also good) they typically aren't open when the vehicle is at rest making it harder to spot check if anything is in there and harder to clean things out if they do get trapped due to the narrow opening. We get a lot of leaves in NJ and are never short of flung rocks and debris given the terrible state of our roads. I'd rather clean/replace a piece of mesh than a Rivian radiator that I can't really see.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

This does open up a fun possibility though... Paint the screen white, leave the gaps black, and your R1 now has teeth!

 

[narmstrong79]

Seems like a solution looking for a problem

 

[Nixapatfan]

No thanks, looks ugly and blocks air flow.

 

[pointless]

At high velocities the mesh behaves about the same as solid fabric would.

 

[carsly]

Mesh grills are pretty common to protect radiators in the Porsche world

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-rennline-parts/wire-mesh-inner-grill-kit-black/e124_ablack~rel/

Do what works for you

 

[badger4149]

I've seen the gunk and crud that accumulates in the radiator grills of my ICE vehicles and it's not pleasant (or easy to clean). When I saw this radiator grill from EVbase I figured I'd give it a shot. Installation takes maybe 2 minutes (could probably be done in 30 seconds honestly) and it should keep debris out of the radiator area.



You could make a case that with active grill shutters less junk should get in there, and I'm inclined to agree. However, when junk does get in there how do you know? The grill shutters seem to be closed when parked. Maybe rip at a fast charger to force the grill shutters to open and then try to hit it with a leaf blower or hose? Feels like a bad idea.

Here is a direct product link (non-referral): Grille Mesh Insert for Rivian R1T/ R1S Radiator Protective Mesh Grille Panel Bug & Debris Protector

You can use my handle as your discount code if you're so inclined. It should knock off 20-30%.

But Rivian has no radiator.

Sponsored