Is It Necessary to Install an Underbody Guard Plate on a New Car?
4 Answers
It is not necessary to install an underbody guard plate on a new car, but it can be added. Generally, the guard plate will not easily affect the engine's downward movement. A thin metal or plastic sheet cannot stop the force of the engine's downward movement, and the engine does not drop vertically but rather diagonally backward. Advantages of an underbody guard plate: 1. Reduces the risk of damage to underbody components caused by scraping or collisions. 2. Prevents the intrusion of mud and sand, effectively protecting the engine. 3. Effectively prevents the intrusion of rain, snow, and acidic water, protecting the engine or related underbody components from premature aging, corrosion, and rust. Disadvantages of an underbody guard plate: 1. Reduced heat dissipation performance, which may affect the engine's cooling to some extent. 2. Prone to causing abnormal noises due to prolonged use or installation issues, which may lead to loosening, displacement, and resulting noise. 3. Easy accumulation of foreign objects. Due to certain gaps, the upper part of the guard plate often gets stuck (with the engine bottom) or causes noise due to rolling objects (such as small stones) intruding. 4. Difficult to maintain. For example, routine maintenance for certain car models requires an additional "step" of removing and reinstalling the guard plate.
Having driven a city commuter car for many years, I can say that installing an underbody guard for a new car really depends on your driving environment. For example, since I usually just commute within the city on smooth roads, rarely encountering rocks or rough terrain, the underbody hardly gets scratched, making it completely unnecessary to spend extra money on installation. New cars come with basic protective measures from the factory, which are sufficient for daily use. Adding a guard plate increases weight, potentially affecting fuel consumption, and the installation cost can range from a few hundred to over a thousand yuan, which isn’t very cost-effective. Unless you frequently drive on construction sites or rural dirt roads, it’s more practical to save that money for maintenance. Remember, installing a guard plate might also worsen heat dissipation, especially during high-speed driving in the summer. Overall, city drivers shouldn’t complicate things for themselves—just enjoy hassle-free driving with your new car.
I'm an avid outdoor off-road enthusiast who frequently takes my new car on rugged mountain trails. The underbody protection plate is absolutely crucial. When the terrain gets rough, rocks or tree roots can damage the engine underside, leading to oil leaks or component failures – the repair costs would be astronomical. Installing a skid plate helps absorb impacts and protects vital components. I always inspect it before every trip, opting for lightweight aluminum or polymer materials that don't compromise heat dissipation. Adding this to a new car only costs a few hundred bucks, far less than major repairs. Even during city driving, don't assume you're safe – it guards against occasional bumps and prevents mud/water corrosion to extend vehicle lifespan. Bottom line: safety first. This modest investment pays off, so don't wait until disaster strikes to regret skipping it.
I'm personally obsessed with car maintenance details, and installing a chassis skid plate on a new car can prevent potential risks. It acts like armor, blocking stones or road debris to protect the oil pan and wiring, reducing rust and corrosion issues. While the benefits may not be obvious during daily city driving, it can prevent minor impacts from accumulating damage when occasionally encountering potholes or muddy conditions on rainy days, ultimately preserving the vehicle's long-term value. Installation is simple and quick—just visit a repair shop and spend a little money—but don’t over-rely on it, as new cars already come with basic protective designs. Adding a skid plate makes the entire vehicle more durable. I recommend checking the skid plate’s condition every six months, cleaning off dirt to maintain its effectiveness, and being mindful of its weight to avoid affecting performance.
