Has anyone removed the cover under their vehicle permanantly ? Any dangers doing this ?

[4WD]

Find a convenient work-around:
Fumoto?
Oil extractor?
Strategic hole/panel/etc?

I went out of my way to add these panels on my VW - a full front engine cover (stock was 1/2), an extended exhaust tunnel cover, and two more in the rear from a hybrid model. VW OEM hybrid and Euro pieces. Highway mpg definitely increased.

Yeah, could have cut and hinged the big Fusion panel … but at 135K not sure how many 10k changes are left.
The Tahoe & Rubicon are very easy … no covers to remove

 

[AutoMechanic]

I usually remove the skid plates most of the time they are falling apart and brittle so really aren’t doing any good and it makes repairs a pain. None of my vehicles that came with one still have it.

 

[atikovi]

If you replace a switch or outlet in your house, would you not put back the cover plate? Not direct but similar analogy.

 

[tc1446]

Don't most of these have an opening under the drain plug and filter?

 

[Jetronic]

no, some do, some don't

And some have the holes but in the wrong location.... I'm looking at you, Hyundai!

 

[ka9mnx]

If you replace a switch or outlet in your house, would you not put back the cover plate? Not direct but similar analogy.

I use a blank plate

 

[ka9mnx]

They are there for aerodynamics (smooth air flow under the vehicle (ie fuel economy)) and sound deadening of road noise. Yes, some have air ducts for brake cooling or oil coolers or pan coolers.

I removed the second, of two, skid plates on my 4Runner for easier servicing and it's very heavy. It's 2WD and rarely goes off road.

 

[PimTac]

I usually remove the skid plates most of the time they are falling apart and brittle so really aren’t doing any good and it makes repairs a pain. None of my vehicles that came with one still have it.

I believe most people associate skid plates as being made of metal. The plastic covers should not be referred to as skid plates.

 

[AutoMechanic]

I believe most people associate skid plates as being made of metal. The plastic covers should not be referred to as skid plates.

Oh lol I’ve always been taught both were skid plates.

 

[atikovi]

Oh lol I’ve always been taught both were skid plates.

Are you the guy who made a diy roll bar out PVC plastic pipe?

 

[Snagglefoot]

Ok. How about “Splash shield” vs “ Skid Plate” Here is a screen shot from Summit Racing. You can order the plastic “ Splash Shield” or the metal “ Skid Plate”

 

[JeffKeryk]

I don’t think the automakers would spend the money and time to design and install these covers unless there was a good reason.

Exactly.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Are you the guy who made a diy roll bar out PVC plastic pipe?

Lol no

 

[AutoMechanic]

To me splash shields are those plastic pieces under the fender.

 

[Aredeeem]

I have just a Mickey Mouse Versa but I belong to the pro-shield crowd. I just damaged mine running over a possum and although my mechanic offered to just “rip it off” I had him replace it. If there’s a hood protecting the upper part of the engine bay it makes sense to protect the bottom from water intrusion as well, even if it’s just heavy spray. That’s a lot of water.

 

[Jetronic]

To me splash shields are those plastic pieces under the fender.

that's part of the total splash shield package for sure

 

[nitehawk]

If I was blessed to have a son, I wouldn't be discussing this nonsense with him on his late model vehicles.
How would you feel if he drove through a deep puddle on the road and water got into the engine bay and screwed something electrically?

Well I'm blessed with 2 both serving , my oldest in my avatar.
My thoughts were in part with helping with cooling of turbos , engine and drive components . Excess heat seems to be a big issue and perhaps it would help draw that heat away. Yes damage a concern but back when I pulled wrenches for a living I didn't see this or a lot of things now on vehicles.
Some good input from members , thanks

 

[Jetronic]

I have just a Mickey Mouse Versa but I belong to the pro-shield crowd. I just damaged mine running over a possum and although my mechanic offered to just “rip it off” I had him replace it. If there’s a hood protecting the upper part of the engine bay it makes sense to protect the bottom from water intrusion as well, even if it’s just heavy spray. That’s a lot of water.

I've seen cars that had the splash freeze on the pulleys when parked and belts coming off. Including timing belts despite them having their own cover aswell. Good idea though the OEM pricing of the undertray is often criminal

 

[atikovi]

To me splash shields are those plastic pieces under the fender.

Those are fender liners.

 

[PimTac]

Those are fender liners.

I have heard them called different names including that. Mine are not plastic but rather some sort of composite/soft material. Probably for sound deadening as well as protection.