Is It Necessary to Install an Engine Guard Plate on a Car?

[LaWalker]

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.

[StSilas]

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.

[ZoeyFitz]

As a daily urban commuter, I believe whether to install an engine guard depends on personal needs. Having driven this car for years exclusively in the city with clean road conditions, I find it practically unnecessary and prefer allocating this budget to routine maintenance. While installation can protect against occasional debris impacts, it adds vehicle weight, slightly increases fuel consumption, and may complicate repairs by requiring extra part removal during servicing. Plastic guards are lighter and cheaper (around ¥400-800), but if long-term issues are minimal, it's better left unmodified. Unless you frequently drive on construction sites or suburban roads, it's generally unnecessary. Factory-installed basic protection suffices, and investing in tires or engine oil offers better value.

[SanTalia]

I believe engine underguards are crucial in specific scenarios, such as highway driving or muddy roads, as they can prevent foreign objects from damaging the oil pan or cooling components. Protecting the engine means safeguarding driving safety, and installation can reduce the risk of ruptures. In terms of materials, metals like aluminum alloy are preferred for their high strength and durability, while plastic is lightweight but prone to aging. Don't skimp on installation—seek professionals to avoid blocking pipes and affecting performance. However, on urban roads, most vehicle chassis designs are already sufficient, and adding one might become a burden. Weigh the environment and cost before deciding.

[Minnie]

The necessity of an engine guard depends on your driving environment. I generally recommend it for long-distance or off-road drivers to prevent flying stones from damaging the engine and disrupting the trip. However, it's unnecessary for city driving where roads are smooth and protection is sufficient. When choosing materials, balance practicality: metal guards are sturdy and durable but more expensive, costing around 600-1500 RMB; synthetic materials are lightweight and cheaper but offer weaker protection. After installation, check regularly to prevent loosening and ensure it doesn't obstruct airflow or hinder maintenance. The cost isn't high, but it's not mandatory—decide based on actual road conditions. If you frequently drive on sandy or dirt roads, it's worth installing.