auto body question...car bumper cover trim

[Stand_watie]

...not sure what you call it. The plastic trim beneath the bumper on late model small cars. Does it serve a useful purpose other than catching curbs and critters (like fuel economy) or is it merely cosmetic?

Mine met up with a racoon this a.m. and is dangling in several places. I was thinking about just taking it off instead of trying to repair it.

[Declaration Day]

It's called an "air dam", and plays a small role in aerodynamics.  Toss it and forget about it.

[geronimotwo]

depending on the car an air dam can add downpressure for better handling.  it may play a minor role for fuel economy as well.

[White Horseradish]

Depending on the design it might be used to deflect air to the radiator. Ever notice how there are few cars with actual grilles? If the nose is all plastic, the air has got to get in there somehow, and that's one of the ways.

[Stand_watie]

It's a Nissan Versa (2009) so performance isn't at the top of my agenda. Thank you for the answers.

[charby]

looks like trim if this is the same year/model you have

[Harold Tuttle]

Bumper fascia

It covers the styrofoam

http://www.discountbodyparts.com/catalog/?ymmsearch=true&Ntt=2009+Nissan+Versa+Replacement%20Bumper%20Cover+ARBN010301P&dbpcid=productads-dbpnissanversa20072011replacementarbn010301p2259buco09nive

124 bucks
Flex paint and clear coat will add 250 dollars....

[lupinus]

Should be able to remove it without any issue.

My Fiesta has one to, surprised it's still there after I ran over a deer.

[Monkeyleg]

Look to see if there's any mechanical or electrical parts behind it. The radiator might extend down behind it, or there could be hoses or other parts. If so, removing the dam would expose those parts to more wear and possible damage. If not, then just remove it.

[Stand_watie]

Update

[Declaration Day]

No duct tape?

[bedlamite]

You need one of these.

[never_retreat]

Tie wire? common? That the job of zip ties right there.

[Hutch]

You are to be congratulated on your ingenuity. 

[RoadKingLarry]

Tie wire? common? That the job of zip ties right there.

Most of the zip ties I've used recently don't seem to be UV stable.