As the splash shield is exposed to regular environmental damage and impact, it can easily break or come off. When the shield becomes damaged, you might wonder whether it’s worth investing in a new replacement part.
So, is engine splash shield necessary? Yes, the engine splash shield is important to protect your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and oil pan. It protects these components from dust, dirt, stones, water, mud, and other damaging objects found on the road. Without the splash shield, the engine components get easily damaged, leading to expensive fixes.
Let’s dive into the details and find out why you should install an engine splash shield and what happens if you drive without the shield.
Table of Contents
Why Is the Engine Splash Shield Necessary?
As I said earlier and as the name suggests, the engine splash shield is located behind the front bumper. It’s just right under the vehicle’s engine. Its primary purpose is to protect the engine, transmission, and other sensitive components from debris, water, and road contaminants.
The shield acts as a barrier to prevent rocks, dirt, and other objects from hitting and potentially damaging these vital parts. Therefore, without the shield, these crucial components of your vehicle stay unprotected and exposed to potential damage.
So, can you drive without engine splash shield? Yes, you can safely drive without a shield, but it’s not recommended to continue driving without it for a long time. Here’s why your vehicle needs it:
Exposure to Impact and Environmental Damage
As there are no other protective parts to cover the engine from below, it becomes exposed to environmental damage without a splash shield.
On top of that, rainwater, puddles, and wet road conditions lead to water splashing onto engine components. As a result, it causes electrical issues and damage to sensitive parts like the alternator and starter.
Increased Chances of Corrosion and Rust
Almost all the crucial parts of the engine and transmission are made of metal. In the absence of a splash shield, rainwater, snow, and wet road conditions lead to water splashing directly onto the undercarriage.
Besides, in regions where road salt and de-icing chemicals are used, the engine and transmission come in contact with these corrosive substances.
Over time, the water, salt, chemicals, and trapped moisture promote corrosion and rust on these metal components.
Expensive Fixes
Driving once or twice without a splash shield won’t create any significant symptoms. However, prolonged exposure to moisture and contaminants over an extended period will affect your vehicle’s performance.
Without the splash shield, the engine frame, suspension components, oil pan, and exhaust system might eventually get corroded. To keep the vehicle functioning, you’ll have to repair or replace these components.
While the splash shield costs only $10 to $300, the repair or replacement cost for these parts is expensive, some reaching up to $1,000.
Increased Drag and Reduced Mileage
Nowadays, most engine splash shields are designed to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. By smoothing the airflow underneath the vehicle, they reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency. Hence, the shield offers better gas mileage and improved handling.
When the shield is missing, it disrupts the intended aerodynamics. It also exposes various components and openings under the vehicle, creating additional surfaces for air to catch and create resistance.
So, the consequences are increased drag, difficult handling, and reduced mileage per hour.
Excessive Noise
While driving on highways, the splash shield helps dampen road noise by blocking sound from hitting the underside of the vehicle. Without a properly functioning splash shield, the underside of the vehicle is more susceptible to road noise and turbulence.
Airflow disruptions caused by the missing shield increase noise from the tires, road, and wind. Therefore, the cabin becomes louder and less comfortable for passengers.
A Rise in Temperature
Some vehicles have splash shields with built-in airflow guides that help direct cooling air to the engine and transmission. When these guides are damaged or missing, it disrupts the cooling process, potentially.
So, without the shield, you don’t get the added benefit of cooling the engine and transmission. Also, it might result in higher engine temperatures, especially in hot conditions or under heavy loads.
Leaking Fluid Directly Disposed on Road
If there are any spills or leaks, the shield will hold and absorb the leaking liquid such as engine oil and coolant. While not all splash shields have this feature, some more improved ones can soak in leaking liquids.
As the leaked liquids aren’t directly exposed on the road, it’s better for road safety and environmental protection.
How to Install an Engine Splash Shield?
If your vehicle’s engine splash shield is damaged, broken, or hanging, you need to repair it or install a new one.
In this case, you’ll notice symptoms like rattling or scraping noises when driving, no check engine light but car runs rough, and loss of fuel efficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a new engine splash shield:
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
Thankfully, you don’t need any special expensive tool for the installation. To efficiently get the job done, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
- Protective goggles, apron, and hand gloves
- Car jack and jack stands
- One flathead screwdriver and wrench
- Flashlight
- A clean cloth and suitable cleaner like the SuperClean all-purpose cleaner to remove dirt and grease
- Screws, washers, and mounting bolts (optional)
Step 2: Prepare and Lift the Vehicle
Before anything else, take the necessary safety precautions. Wear an apron, goggles, and hand gloves to avoid dirt and spills. Disconnect your car battery and let the engine cool down.
As you need to work under the vehicle to access the shield, it’s best to lift the vehicle with a car jack. Use jack stands to secure it at a comfortable height.
Step 3: Remove the Fasteners
Refer to your owner’s manual to easily locate the engine splash shield. As mentioned, it’s typically located behind the front bumper. Take a flashlight to have a clear look and clean the shield surface to remove dirt and debris.
Wipe off with a clean cloth so that you can have a better look at the fasteners. The shield is secured to the vehicle’s frame or body using a combination of clips, screws, or bolts.
You can find them along the edges of the shield or attached to other vehicle components. Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the fasteners and release the old splash shield.
Step 4: Place the New Engine Splash Shield
Once you’ve taken off the fasteners, you can easily remove the old shield. As a replacement, you can either get an OEM or aftermarket splash shield.
After selecting the right one that perfectly fits, place it where the old shield was mounted. You can purchase new fasteners or use the old ones. Tighten the screws and bolts so that the shield is placed firmly.
Finally, replace all the components you’ve removed, and test drive the vehicle to check the fit.
Final Words
As you’ve explored the importance of installing an engine splash shield, now you know the answer to: ‘Is engine splash shield necessary?‘ Although it’s possible to safely drive without the shield, I strongly recommend installing one to protect your engine and transmission.
It will cost you only around $200 on average to get the right engine splash shield. By following the above-mentioned instructions, you can complete the installation process within an hour.
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