Grating the front of the car! (6)
I believe the answer is:
grille
'grating' is the definition.
(grille is a kind of grating)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for grille that I've seen before include "Frame of bars" , "Protective metal framework" , "Partition" , "Part of an air-cooling system" , "Grating, metal screen" .)