Does the Golf 7 come with an engine guard plate?
3 Answers
The Golf 7 does not come with an engine guard plate as standard equipment; it requires aftermarket installation of a model-specific one. Below is some information about automotive engine guard plates: 1. An engine guard plate is a protective device designed specifically for various vehicle models to shield the engine. 2. Its primary purpose is to prevent mud from accumulating around the engine and to protect the engine from damage caused by impacts with uneven road surfaces during driving. Additional information: 1. Regarding body dimensions, the Golf 7 measures 4259mm in length, 1799mm in width, and 1452mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2637mm. 2. The Golf 7 is equipped with the EA211 series 1.6L and 1.4T engines. While the displacement remains the same as the Golf 6, the power parameters of these two engines have changed. The 1.6L engine delivers a maximum power of 81 kW and a maximum torque of 155 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
I've driven the Golf 7 for quite a long time and know its chassis condition very well. The domestic version usually doesn't come with an engine guard plate from the factory, leaving the oil pan exposed which feels really unsettling. After driving my car for over a year, I once scraped a rock while driving on rough roads - fortunately, I had installed a resin guard plate beforehand which saved me. However, I've heard some GTI or top-trim versions might come with factory-installed guard plates, but you'd need to check the spec sheet to be sure. The most reliable way to confirm is to crawl under your car in the garage. If there isn't one installed, I'd recommend getting an alloy guard plate as soon as possible. Make sure to choose one with cooling vents and maintenance access holes, otherwise you'll have to remove the entire plate for oil changes, which is particularly troublesome.
As a car owner who frequently drives on construction sites, the underbody protection plate is extremely important. The Golf 7 display car at the 4S store indeed came without any protection plate, but you can opt for the original factory accessories when purchasing. My experience is that retrofitting it later is more cost-effective—you can buy a manganese steel one on Taobao for just over 300 yuan, which is half the price of the 4S store. After installation, driving on bumpy roads feels much more secure, especially in protecting the fragile oil pan. However, be mindful that the thickness should not exceed 2mm, as anything thicker could affect heat dissipation. Recently, I noticed a brand has introduced a protection plate with airflow guide channels, which is said to optimize underbody airflow and reduce fuel consumption. I’m planning to try it out and see the results.
