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Every now and then I come across a car that has parts of its front covered in a leather-like tissue. Finally, I have learned that these things are called front-end bra or front-end cover. The linked Wikipedia article also has some discussion about the rationale behind this cover and how useful or not it is.

However, most of the covers I see also have two protrusions consisting of the same material basically folded up to a triangular shaped bar, as can be seen in the image below (source):

BMW with bra

Unfortunately the Wikipedia article does not explain what those protrusions are for. The only thing I could imagine is that they are thought as some kind of wind deflector to keep the wind shield cleaner and/or provide better functionality of the wipers at higher speeds. Am I right with this idea or is it something else?

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    Its to attract another BMW so they can mate...
    – Moab
    Apr 28, 2016 at 22:46

1 Answer 1

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I like to refer to those as eyebrows, and in the specific image you posted, they are to add some stiffening and down force to the center of the bra so the flat edge against the hood doesn't flap around in the wind. Since there is nothing to fasten the center of the bra to, the designers had to resort to aerodynamic forces to keep it in place.

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  • they also double as a bug deflector....
    – Moab
    Apr 28, 2016 at 15:55
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    @Moab, I have heard that, but I tend to reject that hypothesis.
    – JPhi1618
    Apr 28, 2016 at 15:56
  • Considering the possibility of them flapping around like that, which would damage your paint, I consider that a good reason to avoid front end bras like that all together. If you want to actually protect your paint, get some clear paint protection film (also known as a clear bra).
    – Ellesedil
    Apr 28, 2016 at 22:18
  • Front end bra's damage paint finish over time no matter what, but they look cool.
    – Moab
    Apr 28, 2016 at 22:47
  • @JPhi1618 it was humor, but you fell for it.
    – Moab
    Apr 28, 2016 at 22:48

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