What is the plastic cover on the engine?
2 Answers
The plastic cover on the engine is the engine compartment cover. The engine compartment cover mainly contains a layer of sound insulation material, with its primary function being noise reduction, followed by heat insulation. It helps reduce the heat transferred from the engine operation to the hood surface. Vehicles equipped with hood sound insulation material generally do not produce white mist during rainy days. Regular oil changes: Engine oil serves as the lubricant for the engine, providing lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, and wear reduction. It is often referred to as the 'lifeblood' of the engine. Prolonged failure to change the oil can lead to severe wear of engine components, reducing the engine's lifespan. Manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Regular replacement of the three filters: The three filters refer to the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter. These filters help protect the engine by filtering out impurities and also improve the engine's efficiency. The replacement cycle for the three filters is typically the same as that for the engine oil during routine maintenance. Power steering fluid: Power steering fluid, commonly known as steering fluid, should be checked regularly for leaks or noticeable abnormal noises. Vehicles with electronic power steering are maintenance-free and do not require steering fluid replacement. The maintenance cycle for steering fluid is approximately 60,000 kilometers.
I've been driving for decades, and the plastic cover on the engine is usually called the engine cover or engine hood trim panel. I've found that this thing is mainly for noise reduction and aesthetics. When you start the engine, it absorbs some of the vibration noise, making the car feel quieter. Another function is to protect internal wiring and electronic components, such as preventing dust or oil from falling in and causing short circuits. Once, my car's plastic cover fell off, and the engine quickly accumulated dust, resulting in repair costs that were hundreds more expensive. So during routine maintenance, don't pull it too hard, as the clips can easily break—it's best to regularly check for cracks. If you need to clean the engine bay, remove the cover first for safety. Also, the cover design varies by car model; some high-end cars even have an insulating layer to prevent engine heat from dissipating, making the whole thing more durable.
