What are the pros and cons of installing an engine guard plate?
2 Answers
Installing an engine guard plate has the following advantages and disadvantages: Protecting the engine: Most installed engine guard plates are made of metal, so even if the vehicle experiences undercarriage scraping or impact, it will not cause damage to the engine. Preventing corrosion or rust on the engine bottom: For example, in situations like waterlogged roads or rainy/snowy weather, ground sewage may cause corrosion on the vehicle's undercarriage, while acid rain could lead to rust. Installing an engine guard plate can, to some extent, isolate such contamination and provide a certain level of protection for the engine bottom. Safety concerns: Installing a metal engine guard plate at the bottom of the engine might interfere with the engine's ability to drop in case of a collision. Heat dissipation issues: With a guard plate installed at the engine bottom, the engine is in a relatively enclosed space, which may affect the vehicle's heat dissipation.
I've been driving off-road vehicles for over a decade, and skid plates have genuinely saved me multiple times. Last time on National Highway 318, the chassis clanged against a fallen rock—when we took it off, the skid plate was deformed, but the engine remained unscathed. However, there are pros and cons to these plates. After installation, the ground clearance decreases by 2-3 cm, making it easier to scrape the bottom on rough roads. Steel plates are the sturdiest but extremely heavy, while aluminum-magnesium alloy ones are lightweight yet double the price. Plastic plates are mostly for show. Older vehicles require special attention—since their chassis rubber components are already aged, adding skid plates might cause strange noises. In rainy southern cities, it's best to install plates with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and rust. My advice: they're worth it for frequent construction site visits or road trips, but unnecessary for pure city commuting.
