Car exterior Skoda Superb second generation (Typ 3T body) is largely determined by its โfaceโ, the central element of which is radiator grille. This component not only performs an aesthetic function, creating the recognizable style of the โsuccessor of Bentley,โ but also plays a critical role in cooling the power unit and air conditioning system.
Owners of the model are often faced with the need to replace this part: from banal damage after minor accidents to the desire to update the appearance by installing illuminated grilles or chrome inserts. Correct choice and quality installation radiator grilles are able to transform a car, returning it to the gloss of a new body.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the types of available elements, the nuances of compatibility for different configurations, the features of installing fog lights and Bi-Xenon, and also give step-by-step instructions for replacing them yourself without the need to contact a service center.
Design features and types of grilles for Skoda Superb 2
Body Skoda Superb The 3T was produced from 2008 to 2015, and the front end design underwent changes during this period. The bulk of grilles are divided into two generations: early models (before the 2013 facelift) and updated versions. Externally, they differ in the shape of the horizontal slats and the method of fastening.
The most important factor when choosing is the type of headlight installed on the car. For vehicles equipped with halogen headlights, a grille with two vertical slots under fog lights. If your car is equipped with xenon or Bi-Xenon, the grille design will be different.
Original grille from Skoda It is distinguished by high quality plastic, which does not turn yellow in the sun and does not crack due to temperature changes. However, it costs much more than its analogues, and in the case of Bi-Xenon versions, the price can be prohibitively high for the average car owner.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never attempt to install a halogen headlight grille on a Bi-Xenon equipped vehicle. This will lead to the plastic inserts blocking the beam of light, making driving at night dangerous and illegal.
For those looking for a balance between price and quality, the market offers many analogues from third party manufacturers. The quality of their plastic varies, with some brands using materials that are close to the original, while cheap copies may require some fitting and painting in the near future.
Bi-Xenon Grilles and Fog Lights: What's the Difference?
Many owners Skoda Superb make the mistake of buying the wrong version of a part. The difference between a halogen grille and a Bi-Xenon grille is the presence or absence of special holes. In the version for Bi-Xenon There are two round holes for installing light correctors or specific plugs that are integrated into the design.
The standard halogen version does not have these holes, but instead there are wide slots for fog lights. If you own the xenon version but install a halogen grille, you'll either have to buy separate plugs, which often look cheap, or look for a specialized part.
It is also worth noting that in some cases owners produce tuning, installing a grille from the RS or Laurin & Klement versions. These models have a unique mesh structure or additional chrome strips, which significantly changes the appearance of the car, making it more aggressive.
- โก Halogen version: wide slots, no round holes for correctors.
- ๐ก Bi-Xenon version: two round holes, often with chrome trim.
- ๐ RS/L&K versions: unique mesh or double chrome lines.
When choosing, it is important to consider the color of the inserts. Original elements often have chrome plated or black glossy slats. Chrome can oxidize over time, so some owners prefer to immediately look for matte or glossy black options for a more modern look.
If you are planning on switching from halogen to xenon, you will need not only a new grille, but also replacement of the headlights themselves, as well as wiring. This is a complex process that requires a professional approach to setting up the light beam.
The process of dismantling the old radiator grille
Replacing the grille with Skoda Superb 2 - a procedure that can be performed independently, without having a special lift. However, access to fasteners is limited, requiring care and the use of the right tools. The main fasteners are hidden under the bumper and in the upper part.
First of all, you need to remove the front bumper or at least loosen it to gain access to the lower screws. At some stages it is enough to simply bend the edge of the bumper, but to completely dismantle the grille it is better to remove it completely.
At the top, the grille is attached to the radiator panel using plastic clips and screws. It is necessary to carefully unclip the clips using a flat-head screwdriver so as not to damage the plastic of the bumper. Often the clips stick or break when the car is old, so it is better to have spare ones.
โ๏ธ Removing the old grille
Once all the latches are released, the grille can be easily removed.
Do not use excessive force when removing. If the part does not budge, check to see if you forgot to remove one of the hidden screws or if the edge of the bumper is pinched. The plastic is fragile, and a crack on the bumper is an extra expense.
Installing a new grille and tuning nuances
Installing a new radiator grilles is a reverse process, but with important nuances. Before fixing the part, make sure that the rubber seal (if provided by the design) is installed level. This will ensure tightness and absence of extraneous noise at speed.
Insert the grille into the grooves, starting from the top where the main guides are located. Gently press down on the bottom to secure the clips. An audible click will indicate that the latch is in place.
After installation, you need to check the gaps between the grille and the bumper. They should be uniform across the entire width. If the gap is larger on one side, the clip may not be fully seated or the part may have a manufacturing defect.
Before final tightening of all screws, make sure that the fog lights are tight and not loose, since the grille is often their supporting element.
If you install a grille with chrome elements, be extremely careful when washing the car. Using aggressive chemicals or hard brushes can leave micro-scratches that will eventually turn into matte spots.
If you change the grille to the version for Bi-Xenon, after installation, be sure to check the light correctors. Make sure they are not blocked by the plastic elements of the new grille and can move freely.
For the final check, turn on the passing light and look at the wall or fence at a distance of 5-7 meters. The light beam should be clear, without lights caused by improper installation of parts.
Compatibility table and original spare parts articles
When ordering parts in online stores or dealers, it is extremely important to know the exact article. For Skoda Superb 2 there are many modifications, and the article may differ depending on the year of release and type of lighting. Below is a table with the main articles for the guide.
| Grille type | Original article | Suitable for models | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Halogen) | 3T0 853 651 A | Superb 2008-2013 | Two slits under the PTF, no round holes |
| Bi-Xenon | 3T0 853 651 B | Superb 2008-2013 | Two round holes under proofreaders |
| Facelift (Halogen) | 3T4 853 651 | Superb 2013-2015 | Altered shape of lamellae, wider |
| Facelift (Bi-Xenon) | 3T4 853 651 A | Superb 2013-2015 | Chromium, round holes, updated design |
Note that the letters at the end of the article may change. For example, the article 3T0 853 651 C This can mean an improved version of the plastic or a change in color. Always check your vehicleโs VIN code when ordering.
For the post-facelift versions (2013), the grille has a more aggressive design with enlarged holes, which improves engine cooling. If you have a pre-facelift version, installing a new grille will visually โrejuvenateโ the car, but will require a bumper compatibility check.
What to do if the article is not found?
If you canโt find the right article for VIN, try searching for the part titled โSkoda Superb 2 radiator grilleโ and checking the photos. Often, analogue manufacturers use their catalog numbers, which are easier to find.
It is also important to note that some of the equipment has air-intakeIt opens and closes depending on the engine temperature. For such cars, a special grille with sensors and drive is necessary, otherwise the system will work incorrectly.
When buying analogues, carefully study the material of manufacture. A high-quality analog should have flexibility close to the original, and not break when bending with a finger. Cheap plastic will crunch and crack already at the first wash.
- Original brand Skoda
- Price and Availability
- Presence of chromium/black
- Plastic quality
Care behind bars and prevention of damage
To radiator grille She served long and kept a presentable appearance, she needs to be taken care of. Regular washing will help remove dirt and insects that can clog the cells and worsen engine cooling. Use special shampoos for cars and soft sponges.
Pay special attention to the chrome elements. If they have traces of corrosion or oxidation, use special polishes for chromium. Do not use abrasive pastes that can erase the protective layer.
In winter, avoid using hot water to defrost the grille. A sharp temperature drop can lead to the appearance of microcracks, especially on cheap analogues. It is better to use warm water or special liquids for defrosting.
If scratches appear on the grille, they can be masked by polishing or painting. For black plastic grilles, there are special restorative sprays that return a rich black color and remove small scuffs.
- ๐ฟ Wash the grille with soft sponges, avoiding hard brushes.
- ๐ก Avoid extreme temperature changes (hot water in winter).
- โจ Use chromium polishes to preserve the shine.
Check the condition of the clips and fasteners at each wash. Over time, the plastic ages and the fixtures can weaken, leading to vibration and additional noise when riding. If necessary, replace the old clips with new ones.
Regular check of grille mounts and timely replacement of worn clips will prevent its vibration and damage to the bumper at high speeds.
Common mistakes when choosing and replacing
One of the most common mistakes is to buy a grille without considering the type of headlights. Owners often order a detail in appearance, without reading the description, and get a grille without holes for light correctors. This makes it impossible to properly operate the lighting system.
Another mistake is trying to install a lattice from another model. Skoda, for example, from Octavia or Superb First generation. Despite the visual similarity, the fasteners and dimensions do not match, which will lead to the inability to install or damage parts.
Some owners try to save money by buying bars from hands or from disassemblies. However, older plastic often has hidden cracks that are not visible on inspection and can break down after months of use. Also, the color on the old parts often burned out.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Buying a used bar at a disassembly is a lottery. You risk getting a part with microcracks that will disperse over time, leading to the need to re-purchase.
Also, be careful with the โtuningโ grilles from Chinese manufacturers. They often have an understated quality of plastic and may not fit tightly to the bumper, forming crevices into which dirt and water is stuffed.
When replacing, be sure to check the condition of the radiator behind bars. If it is packed with down or insects, it can cause the engine to overheat, even if the new grille is installed perfectly. Wash the radiator with water under low pressure.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Selection and replacement radiator grilles on Skoda Superb 2 is a task that requires attention to detail. A properly selected part will not only improve the appearance of the car, but also ensure the correct operation of cooling and lighting systems.
By purchasing an original spare part or a quality analogue, you guarantee a long service life and no problems with the installation. Do not skimp on fasteners and clips, as their integrity directly affects the reliability of fixation.
Follow the care guidelines and inspect the front of the car regularly. This will help to avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep the presentable appearance of your Skoda Superb for many years.
Remember that the car is a reflection of its owner. A neat and clean grille indicates a careful attitude to the car and its technical condition.
Where to buy a quality grille?
We recommend ordering parts from official dealers or in trusted online stores with positive reviews. Avoid dubious websites with low prices.
Which is better: the original or the analogue?
The original always guarantees the perfect fit and quality of the plastic, but it is expensive. Quality counterparts from proven brands can be a good alternative on a tight budget, but require careful inspection before buying.
Can I install a grille under the Bi-Xenon on a halogen headlight?
Technically, this is possible if you use special plugs in round holes. However, aesthetically it may look unnatural, and it is better to choose the grille for the type of headlights installed.
How often should you replace your radiator grille?
The grille does not have a strict replacement regulation. It changes only when mechanical damage, loss of aesthetic qualities or if you want to change the style of the car.
Is it difficult to remove the bumper to replace the grille?
For most owners, this is a simple procedure that takes 15-20 minutes. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service so as not to damage the bumper mounts.
What if the new grating is not suitable for size?
First of all, check the article and year of release of the car. If the part is original but not suitable, it may be a manufacturing defect or a vendor error. In the case of analogues, the problem may be in the curvature of the casting.