Bought a used CX-5 and there's mesh in front of radiator?!

[escape75]

It's just before the radiator tucked under the front grille,

I'm assuming it's meant to catch debris or bugs,...
is that even a good / bad idea, should I remove it ?

Feels soft, so I don't think it will even do what I think someone thought it would do ...

Thanks!

 

[GAXIBM]

I would leave it especially if you drive in arears where Love Buggs are.

 

[ceric]

Looks like the previous owner loved his CX5 very much.

 

[escape75]

Looks like the previous owner loved his CX5 very much.

I think so, it's in pretty good shape I would say, and I'm picky

 

[escape75]

I would leave it especially if you drive in arears where Love Buggs are.

I don't think we get a lot of those in Alberta, Canada, however
there's plenty of bugs when driving on the highway

I was just thinking as long as it doesn't restrict airflow but it shouldn't from the looks of it ...

 

[rsvinylgraphics]

looks like window screen

 

[HyFlyer]

Just watch that it doesn't get plugged up with snow & ice.

 

[escape75]

Yeah, it could be a window screen, you might be right.
I really don't know if I like it there to be honest

 

[ruthrj]

I’d probably remove it and replace with something else if road debris is a concern. I added a mesh protector to the lower portion of my ‘19 RAV4 but it’s sturdy plastic with much wider gaps. Why? To protect the coil from rocks. There were a few reports of damage resulting in refrigerant loss for this model.

A/C condenser susceptible to damage

www.rav4world.com

 

[Mantra 7]

I owned several FedEx Ground trucks and used window screen like that to protect the radiators. Only difference was I sprayed the material with black paint so you couldn't see it. Looking at the bugs and rock dents after a short amount of time made me glad it was there.

I've been looking for an aftermarket version of this idea that could be easily installed on the CX-5 but haven't found anything yet. I'll probably end up making my own when I find the motivation.

 

[GAXIBM]

I put this on my 2013 and 2016.

Install Bug Screen with Gutter Guard and Pet Screen

After looking at the 7000 mile bug buildup on the AC and radiator and the bent fins (use a flashlight to see how much yours is clogging), I installed a bug screen using gutter guard another poster used and added window screen. I found the plastic gutter guard at Lowes and a pet screen...

www.mazdas247.com

 

[Dbfl]

I've been thinking of doing this but using gutter guard, I think I'll do what mantra7 did and spray it with black spray paint first. I live in Florida and don't want my condenser plastered with love bugs and dented by rocks. I can do alot of automotive repairs but AC work and opening up the lines requires equipment I don't have.

 

[GAXIBM]

You can find black plastic gutter guard.

 

[escape75]

You can find black plastic gutter guard.

I'm not sure that it's as fine as the other stuff, meaning the openings are bigger but other than that it would be ok ...

 

[GAXIBM]

I put pet screen in front of it...