I've noticed on some cars that the nose (I think that's what it is called) is cracked. I was wondering what causes this and if there is anything I can do to prevent it? I was told by someone that it is from leaning on it. (now I'm paranoid my mechanic will lean on it and crack it)

 

yes thats what its called the "nose"....the only way that i know of it cracking is if its been in a wreck or the driver has hit something hard.....i doubt very much if they crack by just leaning on them....i dont think that the weather or anything like that cracks it therefore there is no way to prevent it from cracking--just dont wreck it or hit something