Is it necessary to install an engine guard plate on a car?
4 Answers
It is necessary to install an engine guard plate on a car, and its functions are: 1. It can protect engine components and various pipelines, preventing damage caused by contact and friction with the ground under harsh working conditions; 2. It improves the smooth flow of air under the car, reduces wind resistance and wind noise, thereby improving fuel economy and overall vibration and noise performance. The engine guard plate is an engine protection device designed specifically for various car models, preventing mud from covering the engine. Through a series of designs, it extends the service life of the engine and avoids car breakdowns due to external factors damaging the engine during travel.
I've been driving for over a decade and changed cars three times. Each time I got a new car, I installed an engine guard plate. This thing is like putting armor on your car - especially when driving on rough rural roads where stones and branches keep clanging against the chassis. The guard plate has saved me from damage several times. Last time when I drove through potholes on my way back home, I clearly heard a loud crack. Upon inspection later, I found a long scratch on the guard plate while the engine housing remained completely intact. However, it's less necessary for city driving where road conditions are better, as it might actually affect heat dissipation. Whether to install one depends on what kind of roads you usually drive on. For friends who frequently drive through construction sites or rural roads, I sincerely recommend getting one - spending 300-400 yuan can save you from major repair costs.
I'm considering this from a practical usage perspective. The engine skid plate mainly protects against scrapes and impacts. If you mostly drive on paved roads, there's no need to install one - it just adds weight and affects fuel efficiency. But for weekend adventurers like me who love road trips, the skid plate has saved my engine multiple times - once when my car slid on a gravel slope, rocks dented the skid plate, and without it the oil pan would have definitely cracked. When choosing a skid plate, pay attention to the material: steel plates are the strongest but heavy, while plastic-steel composites are lighter but offer slightly less protection. Also, don't remove and replace the factory-installed plastic skid plate on new cars - the OEM design provides better heat dissipation. A skid plate isn't mandatory; the smartest approach is to decide based on your specific driving conditions.
From an automotive structural perspective, underbody protection panels are a double-edged sword. The factory-designed gaps at the bottom of the engine compartment serve purposes of heat dissipation and crash energy absorption. Installing protection panels may compromise cooling efficiency, especially during summer traffic jams. My friend's SUV was fitted with a steel protection panel, which trapped moisture after water crossings and accelerated component rusting. While protective capability is indeed enhanced, particularly on gravel roads or snow-treated winter roads, vehicle type should determine installation: sedans with low ground clearance only need resin panels, while off-road vehicles may consider metal ones. Post-installation, regular screw inspections are essential—don't wait until strange noises occur to perform maintenance.
