Can You Still Drive If the Engine Guard Plate Falls Off?

[SanPhoebe]

You can still continue driving if the engine guard plate falls off. This situation is mainly caused by the engine guard plate not being securely fixed. It is recommended to go to a repair shop to have the engine guard plate refixed. This is not a major issue, and you can continue driving after securing it properly. More information about engine guard plates is as follows: Function: The engine guard plate is very important for a car. Its main role is to effectively protect the cleanliness inside the engine compartment and prevent water, mud, and other debris from entering the engine compartment. It also effectively prevents stones and hard objects kicked up by the tires during driving from hitting the engine. Introduction: The front end of the car engine guard plate has two hooks, so it won't fall off even if the screws loosen. If the engine guard plate falls off, it should be reinstalled promptly. Guard plates are vehicle-specific, and manufacturers provide matching screws. The vehicle needs to be lifted, and the guard plate should be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.

[VonSimon]

I remember encountering this issue when I first bought my car. It's true that you can still drive without the engine guard plate, but long-distance driving is not recommended. Temporary low-speed driving in the city is generally fine, such as commuting a few kilometers daily. However, without the guard plate's protection, road debris can easily hit the engine oil pan or pipes, potentially causing oil leaks or even engine seizure in severe cases. Driving through water is even more dangerous—even slightly deep puddles can lead to water entering the engine, resulting in catastrophic failure. I once spent thousands on repairs for this exact reason. So, if you notice it's missing, drive slowly to the nearest repair shop to check the cause—it might be loose screws or aging/cracked material. Avoid off-roading and waterlogged roads. For safety, don't push your luck; replace the guard plate as soon as possible—aftermarket parts are a cost-effective option.

[LoganMarie]

Last time my friend's car underbody shield fell off, he could still drive to work but was warned about a bunch of troubles. A missing engine undercover means the chassis is completely exposed—driving is possible, and short urban trips like 20 minutes might be manageable. But while driving, you might start hearing strange noises; I've experienced this and immediately slowed down. The cause is usually loose or corroded shield mounting screws, and over time, the shield material can't withstand vibrations. Without protection, one bump could send a rock damaging the radiator or cooling system, with even greater risks when driving through water. I recommend driving slowly to a repair shop for a temporary fix first—ordering one online and replacing it yourself is convenient and cheap. If a long trip is unavoidable, it's safer to wait until it's properly repaired before driving.

[DeKhloe]

I think the engine underguard of the car has fallen off. It's okay to drive temporarily, but don't neglect it. You can drive slowly on good roads to the repair shop. Without the underguard, chassis components are prone to damage or even suck in water, which can destroy the car. Short-distance driving is still acceptable, but avoid highways. After discovering this, it's best to stop and check the missing part. If the distance is long, call for a tow truck. The underguard falling off is often caused by loose bolts or plastic aging. I've experienced this before and tightened the screws in time to save money. Remember to be more careful about road conditions when driving.