Can the Underbody Guard Plate of a Car Be Left Uninstalled?
4 Answers
Car underbody guard plates can be left uninstalled. Without the guard plate, the engine automatically lowers, which can protect the safety of the driver. The functions of the underbody guard plate: It protects the engine oil pan and transmission from being damaged by hard objects. The engine compartment with a guard plate installed is relatively cleaner, with less dust, making it easier to clean. Some vehicles also avoid engine stalling due to entering deep water areas during rainy days. It extends the engine's lifespan and prevents car breakdowns caused by engine damage due to external factors during driving. Precautions for installing the guard plate: It is best not to install a protective cover on automatic transmissions. For automatic transmissions, it is advisable to drill more small heat dissipation holes in the guard plate to mitigate the negative effects of poor transmission cooling. Pay special attention to the length of the fixing screws. Some aftermarket engine guard plates may be the same size but have screws that are too long, which can cause the screws to bend and deform first in case of a bottom scrape.
As a long-time driver and average user, I believe whether to install an underbody guard plate really depends on the specific situation. If you usually drive only on flat urban roads, such as commuting to and from work, a guard plate might not be necessary because the road conditions are good with fewer stones and debris, saving you some installation costs. However, if you frequently drive on rural or mountainous roads with many potholes and flying stones, the guard plate becomes extremely important. It protects critical components like the engine oil pan from being damaged and leaking oil, which could otherwise cost thousands to repair. Once, I went on a trip without a guard plate, and a stone punctured the oil pan, costing me half a month's salary in emergency repairs. So, my general advice is to assess your driving habits and road conditions. If you choose not to install one, drive slower and inspect the undercarriage regularly. Safety first—spending a few hundred extra for peace of mind is worth it.
I always carefully calculate costs when using my car. Installing underbody protection isn't expensive, typically costing around 200 to 500 RMB for regular vehicles. However, the potential risks of not installing it are too great. For example, driving on gravel roads could damage undercarriage components like radiators or oil pipes, with repair costs potentially reaching thousands or even tens of thousands RMB - far exceeding the cost of installing protection. I know car owners who tried to save money by skipping installation, only to end up with exorbitant repair bills from minor accidents. Overall, if your daily driving involves smooth urban roads, taking the risk might be acceptable. But if you frequently drive on rough terrain or encounter flooded roads during rainy seasons, installing underbody protection is a smart investment that prevents unnecessary expenses and vehicle downtime later.
The underbody guard is primarily used to absorb road impacts and protect the chassis components from direct collisions. When driving on urban paved roads with minimal debris, not installing it isn't a big issue. However, it becomes crucial on rough terrain or during harsh weather, as it reduces water and dust infiltration and mechanical damage. With decades of driving experience, I'd say the underbody guard isn't mandatory but worth considering. Simply put, just assess based on your regular driving routes.
