The absence of stranded vehicles proves nothing.I take them off and leave off. I’ve yet to see vehicles stranded all over the highway because of a missing splash shield
Those aren’t the owners that are taking the vehicle to 200,000+ miles, though.Plenty of vehicles come to me with them missing or in shambles. I can't believe most indys and LOF places don't see the same.
Somehow, life goes on and 95% of these owners would not pay to replace it.
Yes??Those aren’t the owners that are taking the vehicle to 200,000+ miles, though.
So, sure, most folks neglect that bit of care, just as they cut corners elsewhere.
I have two cars that are over 250,000 miles. I have replaced the belly pan on both.
Even to a more sturdy, aluminum one (that allows oil changes with it in place) on a couple of the Volvos.
Coincidence?
Everything is done for the CAFE standards . All the [stupid] stuff adds up the mpgs.I would think that gain would be negligible.
Thoughts?
No.Yes??
Welp you've surely convinced me! You're absolutely correct about it all! Have a great Saturday!No.
Of course not.
Those pans aren’t just for CAFE/Drag. They keep junk out of the engine. They were on 4WD and cars from northern climates long before CAFE, to keep junk out of the engine.
You won’t see an immediate effect from having the thing torn off.
Any more than there will be an immediate effect from a piece of missing weatherstripping.
But eventually, the exposure to the extra junk, water, and everything else, shortens the life for the component that had been protected.
Do not remove the belly pan. It will mess with your aero and possibly cooling depending on the model. For example, on my Flex, removal of the belly pan will cause overheating of the rear turbo and the PTU. Yes it will hurt mileage significantly as well.Changing oil on my Fords is a PITA due to the 9 screws that need to be removed to remove the 'splash shield'.
I'm thinking of leaving them off permanently and wanted opinions on the negatives of doing so?
I drove cars for years that didn't have them but I've read that they help with MPG although I would think that gain would be negligible.
Thoughts?
Really? CAFE? Is that why European cars had it 30yrs ago? If that why off road vehicles have one? Is that why police vehicles come with one?Everything is done for the CAFE standards . All the [stupid] stuff adds up the mpgs.
The belly pans on my V-12s are absolutely essential.Today it’s mostly for improved aerodynamics and therefore better MPG at highways speeds. Higher end models use thicker and padded materials to also improve the noise levels.
But I like how the “not self appointed” experts, I wonder who appointed them, claim it’s to keep the engine bay clean.
Oh yeah, that’s a priority for automakers for sure![]()