Is It Necessary to Install an Engine Guard Plate on a Car?
2 Answers
If the road conditions are good, it may not be necessary to install one. The main functions of an engine guard plate are the following three points: 1. Keeping the engine compartment clean. 2. Preventing sand, stones, and hard objects kicked up by the tires during driving from hitting the engine. 3. Protecting the engine from scratches and impacts caused by uneven road surfaces and hard objects. The disadvantages of an engine guard plate mainly include the following four points: 1. A hard engine guard plate may obstruct the protective sinking of the engine during a collision, weakening the protective effect of the engine sinking. 2. It may hinder heat dissipation. 3. It can make maintenance and repairs more troublesome. 4. Some vehicles require minor modifications to install a guard plate.
I often drive in mountainous and off-road areas, and installing an engine guard is a wise choice. It effectively protects the engine oil pan from being hit by stones, branches, or mud, preventing accidental damage that could lead to oil leaks or malfunctions. I remember one time when I didn't have one installed, I scraped a deep mark while driving on a gravel road, and the repair cost nearly a thousand yuan. After installing it, I felt much more at ease. For materials, aluminum or high-strength plastic is recommended—lightweight, rust-proof, and doesn't affect heat dissipation. However, if you only drive on urban roads, it's really unnecessary as it just adds weight, slightly reduces fuel efficiency, and might get in the way during repairs. Installation should be done by a professional shop to ensure it fits the chassis properly and doesn't come loose. Overall, the decision depends on your driving habits: essential for off-roading or frequent rough roads, but can be skipped for city commuting. This investment ranges between 500-2000 yuan, making it a worthwhile safety precaution.
