When they first started to appear on cars more than a decade ago, I wasn't sure what they were called. I asked a friend and he said, "Those are called car bras." What?! You must be kidding? Funny as the name may seem, car bras do serve two important functions on automobiles and going braless may not seem to be such a good idea anymore. For your car, that is!

Car bras are simply hood or front end protectors meant to enhance your car's appearance while offering limited protection against front end and hood damage. Other terms used by manufacturers include hood protectors or front end masks. Car bras are almost always black and are made of a leathery vinyl material on the outside and a felt like material on the inside. In any case, a properly fitted and installed car bra can look great as well as protect your front end.

So, what are some of the benefits of a properly fitted car bra? Here are two:

1. A car bra can enhance your car's appearance. Yes, without a doubt, car bras change your car's appearance. As long as the bra is properly fitted for the particular vehicle that it is installed upon, an excellent quality bra can give your car a sporty, sleek, or sexy look. True, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and not everyone likes the look of a car bra. Still, if you want to distinguish your car from the pack a well made and good looking car bra can do just that.

2. A car bra can protect your front end. If you make frequent and lengthy trips, a car bra can be a wise choice. Our highways are littered with debris including parts that have fallen off of vehicles, litter, rocks, and the like. Unfortunately, these same items get kicked up by other vehicles traveling down the highway and thrown into the air. When they land, doesn't it just seem that they almost always make a beeline for the front of your car? If you have a car bra installed, debris can be deflected, thereby protecting your front end from nicks and scrapes which can harm your car's finish.

There are two types of car bras on the market: a one piece bra that covers the entire front end and hood, but doesn't allow for you to open the hood when it is in place, and a two piece bra that allows for you to access the hood while it is in place. Some two piece units cover the bumper and only a small portion of the hood, while others cover the bumper and the entire hood.

Car bras are sold at auto supply stores, through online wholesalers, and directly by major manufacturers. Only purchase a car bra that is made specifically for your make/model as manufacturers must take into consideration the location of your headlights, turn signals, fog lights, and the shape of your bumper and front end to make a bra that is custom fitted.

Installation time is usually under fifteen minutes and most brands are installed without any tools. You can protect your car and a sexy car bra is an inexpensive way to do just that.