I just got a new 2024 Ford Explorer as a work car last week. Broke the shield my 3rd day driving it after hitting a small bump. Probably will never be replaced.
Has anybody removed there 'splash shield' aka 'belly pan' permanently
- Thread starter pbm
- Start date
When I arrived after a long trip in my Volvo I found the belly pan dragging on the road. I threw it in the trunk. It was made of really heavy stuff and was hardly damaged. I put it back on at the first opportunity.
Manufacturers don't design and build expensive parts for no reason.
Manufacturers don't design and build expensive parts for no reason.
Take a close look at the design. Does it help make sure the fan (fans) pull air through the rad rather than just churning air around under the hood.
dnewton3
Staff member
Yes - I remove those lower shields after the first OCI session. They do not get reinstalled.
The one for our 2017 Fusion (daughter's car) is sitting in the barn since day one. After 60k miles, there's been no detrimental effects that I can see.
Generally these are in place to smooth airflow (aerodynamics = fuel economy) and/or control NVH (especially the fuzzy cover panels). Neither of which matter to me to the degree that the inconvenience is worth it. Additionally, they trap heat in the engine bay; I want that heat exhausted out from under the hood as well as possible.
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The one for our 2017 Fusion (daughter's car) is sitting in the barn since day one. After 60k miles, there's been no detrimental effects that I can see.
Generally these are in place to smooth airflow (aerodynamics = fuel economy) and/or control NVH (especially the fuzzy cover panels). Neither of which matter to me to the degree that the inconvenience is worth it. Additionally, they trap heat in the engine bay; I want that heat exhausted out from under the hood as well as possible.
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4WD
$50 site donor 2025
I use an automatic car wash often - it has piping from underneath that surely has more jet impingement that just a drive in the rain
3/4 of my vehicles ( the 4WD’s) don’t block the drain/filter …
Only the Lexus cover does …
My local 10 min oil change shop did it for me by failing to secure it years ago. Lost on the road somewhere. I didn't address the issue. This was on a VW Passat, the car my daughter used for college years ago. Sure enough, on one trip home I noticed oil pooling under the car. The oil pan was cracked. Never cracked an oil pan before or since so from my experience DON'T RISK IT!
Shops and oil service chains started charging extra if the vehicle had an under shield. Another reason I will never darken their doors again.
Shops and oil service chains started charging extra if the vehicle had an under shield. Another reason I will never darken their doors again.
Must Designed for exploring the Mall Food Court.
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
That’s what I’m thinking = like BMW did …
They can be there for a number of reasons for them. Slight MPG improvement as mentioned. Some are designed to help pull air through the engine bay - creating a suction in the back to pull the air out vs pushing it up. Keeping water from splashing up into the bay as much. You will never really know.
Personally I would keep it, but I am certain many people do not and motor on without issues.
Personally I would keep it, but I am certain many people do not and motor on without issues.
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
Heck, some pans are plastic these days …
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
wemay
Site Donor 2023
If your vehicle has a plastic oil pan, that would be the only reason I can see for having a splash pan. Cars and trucks haven't had them in the past, and there's alot of old cars still on the road with no issues. Maybe it's cheaper to install a plastic shield and a plastic oil pan, then to install a steel pan ?. You know they're not gonna do it if they don't save money on it.,,
Mine got damaged on my leaf so I removed it for repair and while it was off I was seeing about a 20% range loss.
So keep it on there.
I only have to change the oil about every 40,000 miles so it's no big deal when it comes to oil changes.
So keep it on there.
I only have to change the oil about every 40,000 miles so it's no big deal when it comes to oil changes.
I do not offroad or do any kid nonsense with my Lexus, hence the front shield is permanently off. I keep the mid one to protect the front axle and transfer case. I have a rear aluminum to protect cats from being stolen but its also off because i'm lazy.
That's what I did years ago to access the trans fluid drain in my 08 Accord. Seems to be ok.
Those folks over at Subaru were kind enough to provide access to the drain plug without removing the shield, and then made it even easier to change the oil by putting the filter on top. Thanks, Subaru!
As for the rest of you guys, your vehicle’s manufacturer hates you.
As for the rest of you guys, your vehicle’s manufacturer hates you.
