Should All New Cars Be Equipped with Engine Guards?
2 Answers
It is advisable to install an engine guard for new cars. The primary function of an engine guard is to prevent impacts from road surfaces or gravel on the engine. Some vehicle models come with factory-installed guards, while the majority require aftermarket installation. Here are the specific types of engine guards available: 1. Steel: More affordable and currently the most popular choice among car owners. Its advantage lies in its high hardness, effectively protecting against threats from mud, stones, or undercarriage scrapes. 2. Reinforced Resin: Lighter in weight compared to steel guards, it can also resist mud and stones. However, its overall strength is inferior to steel, making it unable to withstand high-impact damages like undercarriage scrapes. 3. Hard Plastic: Its benefits include light weight and low cost. Many vehicle models come with factory-installed plastic guards, but they have poor durability and can only protect against minor scratches. 4. Aluminum Alloy: Priced similarly to steel guards, its advantage is being lighter than steel, thus not adding extra fuel consumption. However, in terms of hardness, aluminum alloy is far inferior to steel guards.
As an experienced driver who has driven many cars, I believe whether to install an engine underguard depends on your usage. If you mainly drive in the city with good road conditions and few gravel or bumps, the underguard is really unnecessary. Many new cars nowadays come with basic underbody protection from the factory, which is sufficient against small stones. Installing an extra one would only add weight, potentially affecting heat dissipation and causing issues during hot summers. However, if you frequently drive in mountainous areas, construction sites, or muddy roads with uneven surfaces, the underguard becomes crucial—it can block stones and mud, preventing damage to the oil pan. I've seen many friends spend thousands on repairs due to unshielded component damage. Overall, skipping it saves money and hassle; installing it offers peace of mind with extra protection. When buying a car, ask your dealer whether your model has built-in protection before deciding.
