What is the plastic shield under the car?

[Anderson]

The plastic shield under the car is the front spoiler. Introduction to the front spoiler: A car spoiler refers to a component installed on the rear trunk lid of a car, resembling an inverted airplane tail wing. Some cars are equipped with front spoilers, commonly known as air dams. Some cars also have side skirts, which are another type of spoiler. The rear spoiler is actually also called a "car wing." On one hand, it adds a dynamic look to the car's appearance; on the other hand, its more important role is to effectively reduce the air resistance generated when the vehicle is driving at high speeds, saving fuel and improving driving stability. Function of the spoiler: A spoiler is one of the ways a car reduces resistance by guiding air in a specific manner. It is commonly used on high-performance cars to enable faster cornering and help reduce resistance during high-speed driving.

[LeJaxon]

I've been driving for over ten years and have hit the plastic panel under the car several times. That's the engine splash guard, and experienced drivers all know its value. A while back, when I drove back to the countryside, I scraped over a rock and heard a loud crack. After getting out to check, I saw a deep scratch on the plastic panel, but the oil pan was fine. This panel can really be a lifesaver at critical moments—it protects against mud and impacts when driving on rough roads, and during rainy days, it prevents mud from splashing into the engine bay when crossing water. A mechanic told me that higher-end cars now even come with airflow channels designed to reduce wind resistance at high speeds. While it might not be necessary for city driving, drivers who frequently take mountain roads should regularly check if the mounting screws are loose.

[DelGemma]

Last week, I helped my neighbor diagnose a chassis noise, and it turned out to be caused by the engine skid plate. This polyethylene or resin panel is secured with clips under the front bumper, primarily protecting the oil pan and steering gear. Common issues include getting scraped and deformed on bumpy roads or cracking due to ice expansion after winter snow. Some modification shops recommend switching to metal skid plates, but I don't advise it. The OEM plastic part is lightweight and flexible, deforming to dissipate force upon impact with hard objects, whereas metal plates might transfer the impact force to the frame. By the way, remember to remove it during maintenance to clear out accumulated pebbles, as too many can cause noise.