What Are the Harms of Underbody Armor to Cars?
2 Answers
Underbody armor can cause several harms to cars, including abnormal noises, reduced repairability of the chassis, increased fuel consumption, and decreased heat dissipation. Abnormal noises: Due to assembly errors and inaccurate positioning during installation, minor deformations in the car's structure while driving can cause the underbody armor to deform and rub against other car components, resulting in abnormal noises. Reduced repairability of the chassis: In cases of severe underbody damage requiring cutting and re-welding, the nearly 4mm-thick coating must be ground off, which also removes the factory paint layer. After welding, the paint layer must be reapplied, increasing the car's repair costs. Increased fuel consumption: Underbody armor adds weight to the car, leading to higher fuel consumption. Therefore, choosing the right type and material for the armor is crucial. Decreased heat dissipation: Both protective plates and liquid armor can reduce heat dissipation. After installing the armor, it is recommended to upgrade the car's original liquid cooling system.
I've been driving for decades, and after applying the undercoating, the car noticeably gained weight, became slower to start, and the fuel consumption was ridiculously high, especially in traffic jams where burning an extra liter or two wasn't uncommon. The handling also deteriorated, feeling heavy when turning, like dragging sandbags. The extra weight also wore out the suspension and tires, reducing tire life by several thousand kilometers and making repairs more expensive. Although it's good for rust prevention, these disadvantages are magnified when driving in the city. I suggest car owners do the math—it might be okay for occasional long trips, but for daily driving, it's really not cost-effective. The extra fuel costs could add up to buying another used car.
