What is an engine splash shield?
Also called a skid plate or lower engine cover, an engine splash shield is a car part located under the car made from plastic or metal that protects the components from possible blows, hits, and small objects on the road that might harm the car underneath and also protects from the penetration of dust or impurities
When talking about the engine splash shield, some cars do not have it installed from the factory, and cars are made with this protective shield from the start. If you don’t have this shield, you can install it since there are many options in the market for every car make and model.
Protecting the lower part of the engine is associated with driving on offroad routes – where it proves its usefulness, the engine splash shield is very useful also when traveling through crowded areas or on a long journey.
Although the name refers only to the engine, the shield also covers other sensitive parts located under the car such as the oil pan and much of the transmission, parts that are essential for your car, and need some kind of protection.
Contents
What does an engine splash shield do?
1. Protects the car parts from dust
For some parts of your car, dust can be very harmful, especially the engine and transmission lose a lot of their efficiency because of dust and impurities. Also, where the dust enters, water can make room, and after it, rust and corrosion.
Especially during the cold season, the car comes in contact with road sections that have been scattered with a lot of material that has salt in the composition and this is very harmful to your car.
Although salt is useful because it melts quick snow and ice on the road, you do not want the sand mixed with salt to come in contact with any part of your engine.
2. Protects the car engine from blows, hits, and potentially dangerous road objects
The importance of the engine is well-known to everyone. If at the top it is protected by a hood, and at the sides, it is covered and reinforced by the car body, at the bottom the engine might be exposed to blows and other road objects. The shield is necessary to offer this protection, both in case you hit an object and against water, snow, or mud.
In the absence of a shield, hitting a curb, pothole, stones or any other obstacle can break the car’s oil pan which is the most vulnerable and sensitive. In this case, driving becomes impossible, the car will stall, losing all the oil, and the repair will be expensive.
At the research level, the best solutions are sought to protect the car components, and the engine receives special attention. Thus, the engine shield has become more and more durable due to the resistant materials from which it is made.
3. It is easy to maintain and change
In the car market, there are a lot of options for protective shields for each car brand. Choose the right splash shield, depending on the car model. The options for the splash shield are either made of plastic or metal, each with advantages and disadvantages. Installing a splash shield is usually a simple operation, you just have to fit it with some screws, and the problem is solved.
The bad part is for cars that did not have a shield from the start, because, in some cases, you have to weld it.
If you drive quite a lot, this splash shield is essential, also check it periodically, and if it has damage, replace it for longer protection.
4. You will have a safe drive on a rough road
If you decide to go off-road, it is important to take into account the danger to which you expose your car, if you do not use a shield. Driving on this kind of road with a car that does not have a splash shield is a challenge. But most off-road cars have a good durable shield under that car for this type of road.
5. Helps against rust
The exposure of the car parts to water, dust, impurities, and non-slip materials can cause a rut to form in time. From the top, the engine is protected by the hood, but underneath the engine can be protected by the splash shield. This can help the materials last longer.
Metallic engine shield vs plastic engine shield?
There are two types of motor splash shields, either plastic or metal. Whatever your option is, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages.
A plastic engine splash shield’s price is more affordable, but, as a downside, this comes with lower durability during possible harsh obstacles that the car could come into contact with when driving.
For a metal car splash shield, the price is higher but will last much longer and it is more durable in case you encounter hard obstacles on the road. A price is the quality of the material. 🙂
How much does a car splash shield cost?
The cost of a plastic motor shield, because of the material from which it is made has a price starts from $25 to $100
It is good to know that the price of a metal shield can be between $ 70 and $ 150, or even more expensive depending on the model of the car for which it was manufactured, but a metallic splash shield is a better option for protection.
How to mount a car splash shield?
Installing an engine shield can be simple, especially if you are passionate about everything that means the mechanical part of a car.
Remember! Only buy an engine splash shield that is suitable for your car model!
For any metal or plastic shield you order, you will usually receive clear mounting instructions, although you do not necessarily need them if you follow the steps below:
- Lift the car using a jack, after you’ve secured it from all points of view. To avoid any possible accident during this process, we recommend that you place, at least in two diametrically opposite places of the car, under the body, one large stone, or the car’s wheels.
- Remove the old engine shield. It can be easily removed, by releasing the clips or screws.
- Position the new engine shield so that it is easy to put the side clips or screws in place and make sure you tighten them sufficiently.
Conclusion
Whatever your decision is, an engine splash shield, whether it is made of plastic or metal, is not a very expensive item to purchase and is, from my point of view, essential for the protection of both your engine and other vulnerable parts of the engine located underneath.
Replacing a splash shield video