Are you looking for a car that can be your everyday companion as well as your traveling partner in muddled off-road adventures? A vehicle that can withstand long hours and unstable terrains, giving you a smoother ride? Then a Jeep may be the perfect fit for you. Jeep’s vehicles have proven their outstanding class and tested their sturdy exteriors, whether you’re driving down the highway or exploring some of the best off-road tracks in the nation.
We all know how important first impressions are, and the first look is always the front of your Jeep, capturing people’s attention as they approach. Almost all of the Jeep owners out there have the stock grill to distinguish their vehicle. If you want to stand out amongst the crowd, installing a grill insert is one of the easiest, most convenient, and most reliable things you can do to enhance your Jeep’s iconic 7-slot front-end and add a more personalized touch. After all, your Jeep represents who you are.
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Purpose of Grill Inserts
A Jeep grille’s purpose remains multi-functional. The grille replaces the center part of your existing grille only and reuses the outer shell or perimeter piece. Not only does an insert add to the style of your Jeep, but it serves its purpose as a protective sheet that goes behind your Jeep’s grill. Once securely slipped into place, the inserts protect your vehicle’s radiator from overheating and also offers protection from the road and trail debris you are bound to encounter. This slight improvement will substantially enhance your Jeep’s general aesthetic and add to its functionality. As they frequently come in contact with harsh surfaces such as rocks, mud, and trail pollutants, it is a crucial advantage for off-roading Jeeps. Therefore, the longevity of your Jeep increases exponentially as it can run for a longer period.
Jeep grill inserts are available in a variety of styles to suit the taste of all off-roading enthusiasts. Depending on your preference and the personal customizations you opt for, you may create a dramatic or subtle look using screen-printed designs in various finishes. With matte, glossy, or mesh inserts available, you can give your vehicle a distinctive style. One advantage of Jeep grill inserts is that they provide the front of your vehicle with a unique and personalized appearance whilst also saving you from potential radiator problems. It is a style statement and a protective gear, all in one.
Types of Grill Inserts
Jeep sports is one of automotive history’s most recognizable grills. In actuality, not much has changed since the first Jeep was launched back in the 1940s. The seven-slot grille, currently available in the complete Jeep vehicle lineup, aids in quickly recognizing any Jeep, acting as a brand statement. You may add a broad choice of inserts to your Jeep’s grill, from snap-in trim pieces to mesh or billet inserts that add flair while ensuring the safety of your radiator. Billet aluminum bar grill inserts, stainless steel inserts with various designs, and mesh inserts are the most commonly used inserts. Aluminum and stainless steel are two of the most common materials used to manufacture Jeep grill inserts. The most exciting aspect remains the number of styles the grills can be customized to. No matter how you wish to express yourself, you can adjust your grills to your taste through an array of colors and styles. It serves as another way to distinguish your vehicle from another.
How to install a grille insert?
A Jeep grill insert can be aggressive and mean or classy and understated. Installing a grill insert is one of the most accessible modifications to your ride. Jeep grill inserts can get easily installed within your Jeep’s existing grill, pricing additional support. More recent models of the Jeep vehicle come with stock installed mesh panels inside the grill. If your car already has mesh panels, then your work remains simplified. All you need to do is take the grill out and unclip the pre-existing mesh panels to remove them. The next step would be to put the grill back into its place and clip it back from the bottom edge. Before clipping the top edge back into place, slide in the new Jeep grill insert in the space between the grill and the radiator. Clip the leading edge of the grill back into place, and you are good to go. However, if you own an older model, then there are three ways to install a Jeep grill insert:
- Bolt-over grill insert
Usually, no cutting is necessary for the grill. However, you might need to drill a few holes into the grill to hold the insert. They enter the original apertures and fasten to your original shell using a mix of nuts, bolts, and clips. Opening the latches and raising the car’s hood is the first thing you must do. The first step to getting to the grill will be to do this. Remember to hold the hood up or have someone else do it for you in order to be safe. With a flat-head screwdriver, remove the pop-clips keeping the grill in place. You’ll notice them as soon as you lift the hood since they are located at the top of the grill. They are simple to take off but take care not to damage the Jeep’s paint.
After releasing the pop clips, all left to do is gently tug on the grill to remove it since retention clips hold it in place. Put it on a table or other flat surface after that to attach the insert. Once more, be cautious while setting it on the table to avoid scratching the paint. The Jeep grill insert should now be positioned beneath the grill. Firmly press the grill insert to the grill. For drilling locations, mark the grill fasteners as a reference. Using a 3/16″ drill bit, make the previously designated holes and use bolts to fasten the grill insert. Firmly snap the grill back to the vehicle’s retention clips after installing the insert, and then reattach all of the pop clips. Pop clips can be manually reinserted. Finally, shut the hood, and you are good to go.
- Cutout grill insert
This method is used when a built-in grill insert is already in place. In order to install a new grill insert of your choice, you will need to remove and replace the older one. After opening the hood and removing the grill, you will have to cut out the center grill material using an air saw or another cutting device. After removing it, you can simply install the new grille insert.
- Complete replacement grill
If you don’t want to get your hands dirty or want to change the grill shell along with installing Jeep grill inserts, then you can replace the entire grill shell with a new grill shell that already has the insert installed.
Cost of grill inserts
The Jeep Grill inserts, based on the brand and the quality of the product, differ in price. Like all other car accessories, grills vary for many reasons. Grills tend to be seen as luxury installments for your Jeep and may not be seen as necessary for the car’s protection. Therefore, the demand may vary based on the customer. One reason for the differing prices, in particular, is the production costs and rates differ based on direct retail and wholesale. Some manufacturers price according to their labor, for example, customization, while others prefer maintaining a standard size based on the models. Since the grills are for jeeps, the market remains slightly niche as they encompass the front of the Jeep. Based on the listings available, the cost of grills ranges from $60 to anywhere over $300. Based on customer reviews and recommendations, the most popular start from $120 and $140, going as low as $68 and $75.50.
The three most selling Jeep Grill Inserts on Amazon
The most popular grill inserts on Amazon available for the Wrangler bring a multitude of choices and styles to suit the need of any particular model. However, the top three most selling Jeep inserts would be the Rugged Ridge 11401.31 grill Insert, the Rugged Ridge 11401.31 grill Insert, and the Allinoneparts JK Glossy Black Shark grill Front grill.
The Rugged Ridge 11401.31 grill Insert, available in mesh in black color, is one of the most dependable purchases for the 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK. It has proven to be one of the most popular grills on Amazon, primarily based on customer reviews. It is popular amongst customers as it is easy to install, and they prefer this heavy-duty steel model as compared to the plastic alternatives due to its resistant nature translating into viability for long-term usage. The grill has proven to remain sturdy while allowing unrestricted access for the airflow, which is essentially more beneficial for the radiator. The grills are user-friendly and can withstand long road trips and unpredictable terrains, only ensuring the security of your Jeep!
Another customer favorite seems to be the Rugged Ridge 11306.30 grill Insert Kit, in black for the 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK. The grills are UV treated and corrosion resistant, providing extra protection from insects encountered in your travels. They exceed expectations in terms of quality as they are weather-resistant and prove to be a versatile product as they can be modified and painted over to better suit your personalization needs. In regards to the price point, these grilles serve your car far better while being extremely light on your wallet. Cheap, reliable, and durable is the way to go!
The product has superseded customer satisfaction and evoked highly positive reviews. This specific grille has been popularised amongst customers as it is extremely easy to install. Depending on the model of your Jeep, it can either be used with pre-existing grills or work as replacement grills. The grill’s inserts come with a front mesh grille cover guard, which is in the form of a clip-on specifically made for Jeep’s JK Wrangler Unlimited model. However, the grills are available for all models from 2007-2015. The grill is widely available in matte black and remains the most popular model for Jeep. Not only do they prove to be useful, but they also add to the aesthetic of your vehicle.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, in order to alleviate the safety and offer extra protection and comfort for your vehicle, a grill is the perfect fit for you and your car. A grill installation is essential as it acts as a protective shield for your Jeep’s radiator, saving it from debris and increasing longevity for the vehicle’s overall appearance. The best part is that the installation is very simple. On top of that, they are available in multiple styles, such as the ones strongly recommended by customers from Rugged Ridge and Hooke Road. Here, aesthetics and safety come together in one neat package. The one-time investment in these grille inserts can help in the long run due to their unique properties. The benefits of using a grille have been explained thoroughly in this guide, so make the wise decision to add another protective layer to your Jeep today!
