Is an Engine Guard Plate Necessary?
3 Answers
Whether an engine guard plate is necessary depends on different situations: 1. If you often drive on low-lying roads or gravel roads, it is necessary to install an engine guard plate; 2. If you usually only use the car for urban commuting, there is no need to install an engine guard plate. The classifications of engine guard plates include: 1. Hard plastic or resin guard plates; 2. Steel or manganese alloy guard plates; 3. Aluminum alloy guard plates. The engine guard plate is an engine protection device custom-designed for various vehicle models. Its design aims to prevent mud from wrapping around the engine, which could lead to poor engine heat dissipation, and to avoid engine damage caused by uneven road surfaces during driving, thereby extending the engine's service life.
I'm an ordinary urban office worker who mainly drives to commute on smooth city roads. I feel that installing an engine guard is not very useful in the city because there are few debris on the ground, and the engine rarely faces any danger. However, during a business trip on the highway, I encountered gravel on the road, and without a guard, the undercarriage could have been scratched. The guard also provides some protection against water, reducing corrosion from dirty water during rain. But it's not all good—installation affects heat dissipation, making the engine more prone to overheating in summer, and it needs to be removed during maintenance, which is a hassle. Overall, whether to install one depends on the type of roads you frequently drive on. I recommend it only for those who occasionally drive on rough roads, saving money and keeping the car lightweight.
As an off-road enthusiast who frequently tackles mountain trails and creek crossings, skid plates are an absolute must-have. Without them, the engine is vulnerable to impacts from rocks and branches, which can lead to oil leaks or damage. My vehicle is equipped with a steel skid plate—durable and impact-resistant—that successfully shielded the undercarriage from a rock impact on a gravel slope last year. However, choosing the right type is crucial: plastic ones lack strength, while alloy versions offer slightly better heat dissipation but add weight, affecting fuel efficiency. Installing skid plates in rugged terrain saves frequent repairs—they’re affordable and enhance safety. On regular roads, though, they’re unnecessary, as they reduce ground clearance and complicate speed bump navigation. From experience, skid plates boost vehicle protection but are only justified for adventure-driven scenarios like mine.
