Is It Useful to Install an Engine Guard Plate on a Car?
3 Answers
Engine guard plates are useful as they can protect the engine's oil pan and make the chassis more even, thereby improving the stability of the car at high speeds. Here are the relevant details: 1. Made of plastic plates: Many cars come equipped with engine guard plates, but most factory-installed ones are made of plastic. Some car enthusiasts might wonder what use such thin plastic plates serve. 2. The role of plastic plates: In fact, plastic guard plates can prevent sand and stones from directly hitting the oil pan, thus protecting it. However, the main function of plastic guard plates is to enhance the evenness of the chassis.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and the engine skid plate is absolutely useful. Before I installed one, I hit a rock on a rural dirt road and damaged the oil pan, costing me over a thousand bucks to fix—it was heartbreaking. Later, I installed an aluminum alloy skid plate for just over 300 yuan—lightweight and doesn’t increase fuel consumption. It protects the engine bay from road debris and splashing water, especially when driving on mountain roads or during road trips, giving me much more peace of mind. Installation is quick and easy—I did it myself in just half an hour. While it might seem unnecessary for city driving on smooth roads, accidents happen, and prevention is better than regret. The skid plate acts like a small shield, saving you from costly major repairs. Safe driving comes first, and this small investment pays off.
I believe installing an engine guard is a smart choice with small investment and big returns. The guard is low-cost, around 500 yuan for an aluminum alloy one, which is lightweight and rust-proof. If you encounter rocks hitting the undercarriage on the road, it can block the impact, saving you thousands in repair costs. I usually drive to work on varying road conditions, and the guard protects against scratches and dirt, giving me peace of mind. Some may think it's unnecessary or worry about added weight, but a properly sized guard ensures good ventilation without affecting cooling. Compared to the risk of repairs, this money is well spent. Especially for new drivers or those who drive frequently, installing one can prevent future troubles. Crunching the numbers, this small expense is extremely cost-effective.
