Should a New Car Be Equipped with an Engine Guard Plate?
3 Answers
Should a new car be equipped with an engine guard plate? An engine guard plate is generally installed under the chassis at the front of the car to prevent the engine from being bumped. The types of car engine guard plates include: 1. Iron guard plate; 2. Aluminum alloy guard plate; 3. Plastic-steel guard plate; 4. Plastic guard plate. The reasons for installing an engine guard plate are: 1. The engine is one of the core components of a car. Installing a guard plate on its exterior can block the impact force caused by flying stones hitting the engine when driving over uneven road sections; 2. During vehicle use, a lot of mud or dust may be encountered. Driving in rainy weather can easily corrode the car's chassis. Installing an engine guard plate can provide better protection for the engine and the guard plate itself.
As for whether to install an engine guard for a new car, I think it's quite practical. As an old car enthusiast who loves tinkering with cars, the benefit of a guard is that it protects the undercarriage from damage caused by stones and mud, especially when driving on rural dirt roads or construction areas—one bump could ruin the engine. Opt for a lightweight metal alloy material for the guard, and make sure to tighten the screws properly after installation to avoid loosening and strange noises. However, if you mainly drive on smooth city roads, it’s unnecessary—just a waste of money that adds weight and increases fuel consumption. I’ve installed guards before, and they’ve saved my engine on small off-road slopes. On the other hand, if you only drive around the city, it’s better to skip this step and save the hassle. A guard costs a few hundred bucks, but repairing engine damage could cost thousands—weighing your habits is wiser. In short, whether to install one depends on your driving environment: essential for bumpy roads, optional for city driving. Either way, test the road conditions thoroughly before making a decision.
I prioritize cost-effectiveness when driving and don't recommend rushing to install an engine guard plate on new cars. While the guard can block road debris, urban highways have good conditions with no major rocks or flooding risks. On the flip side, there are several drawbacks: installation costs hundreds, increases vehicle weight affecting fuel efficiency, and improper installation can obstruct cooling system ventilation. My car has gone five years without a guard plate, and the undercarriage remains intact—saving me money to fuel hundreds more kilometers. Unless you frequently drive on rough mountain roads, there's really no need for this added burden. My repair experience tells me guard plates easily accumulate dirt and rust, making cleaning troublesome. The original car design is already reasonable; adding components just introduces more potential failure points. So my view is urban commuters can skip this step—only consider a guard plate for special needs. Opt for lightweight materials to minimize impact, but overall, saving money comes first.
