The average car has around 30,000 different parts, and it can be difficult to keep track of every part if you aren't a car expert. The engine splash shield, or skid plate, is one of those easily forgotten parts. If you need a new one, you will want to find a replacement as soon as possible so you can cruise with peace of mind.
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Luckily for you, Wrench is here to bring awareness to various car parts to educate the average car owner. If you want to learn more about your car's engine splash shield, keep reading!
What Is An Engine Splash Shield
The engine splash shield, also known as the skid plate, lower engine cover, or engine splash guard, is a panel located underneath your vehicle's engine to protect it from debris on the road. It prevents small rocks, nails, water, or dust from directly reaching your engine, protecting it from the harsh conditions of the road.
While it is called an "engine splash shield," it protects more sensitive parts besides the engine. Other parts that benefit from the engine splash shield are your oil pan, transmission, and more. Without it, these parts will need to be replaced more often as they are essential to keeping your vehicle up and running.
Since it is located under your vehicle and its purpose is to take a beating, you will likely need to replace it at least once during your car's lifetime. Depending on the usual conditions on the roads you drive on, it may be sooner than you think.
However, you only need to replace your engine splash shield when it is damaged or worn out.
While, technically, you can drive without an engine splash shield, we don't recommend it. If your engine splash shield is damaged, debris from the road could hit sensitive parts of your car and damage them. Replacing your engine, oil pan, or transmission is significantly more expensive than replacing the engine splash shield.
Metal Or Plastic?
If you are looking for a new engine splash shield for your car, you can expect to find two different types: plastic and metal. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so do your research and pick the best one for your car.
Plastic engine splash shields tend to be more affordable, but they might not be as strong. Plastic is a softer, more breakable material, which can damage more easily than metal. If you end up choosing a plastic engine splash shield, you might need to replace yours more often, but if the affordability is worth the risk, then go for it!
Metal engine splash shields are more expensive, but you can expect them to last longer than plastic ones. If you routinely drive your car in areas with a lot of gravel or harsh road conditions, choosing a metal engine splash shield might be worth the investment.
With all that said, different engine splash shields are made for different makes and models. If you buy your own and install it yourself, make sure you purchase one that works with your specific make and model.
How To Replace Your Engine Splash Shield
If you have all the appropriate tools, you can replace your engine splash shield at home! Let us walk through what you need and how to do it. And as always, book an appointment with a qualified professional if you don't feel comfortable replacing your engine splash shield on your own.
What You'll Need
- A New Engine Splash Shield
- Socket Wrench or Screwdriver
- Screws, Bolts, and Washers
- Car Jack
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- A fresh rag (clean and dry)
- Protective Gear (googles, close-toed shoes, gloves, etc.)
- Flashlight
How To Do It
- Park your car on a safe and flat surface.
- Ensure the car has fully cooled after driving.
- Jack up your vehicle high enough to access the engine splash shield.
- Use the flashlight to locate the engine splash shield.
- Wipe down the surface with your clean rag to remove any debris from the road. Locate the screws, bolts, and washers keeping the engine splash shield in place.
- Remove the screws, bolts, and washers using your socket wrench or various screwdrivers.
- Remove the old engine splash shield.
- Place the new engine splash shield on your car and secure it with the proper bolts, screws, and washers.
- Lower your vehicle and test drive your car to ensure the engine splash shield is adequately fastened.
Mobile Engine Splash Shield Replacement
If you are looking for a qualified professional to replace your engine splash shield, consider hiring one of Wrench's skilled mobile technicians. Our mobile technicians, otherwise known as mobile mechanics, travel to your preferred location to provide you with any necessary auto repair or maintenance services.
Whether you need an engine splash shield replacement or a simple oil change, our mobile technicians will come right to your home, office, or any other convenient location to perform the services.
Once you give Wrench a try, you won't want to go back to a traditional repair shop ever again! Our mobile technicians save car owners time, money, and stress by cutting out long wait times or towing fees. With us, you will spend more time on the road and less time in a stuffy repair shop waiting room.
Just book a mobile engine splash shield replacement with Wrench today, and we will take all of your information, find an engine splash shield that works with your make and model, and install it right at your home or office!
How To Book An Engine Splash Shield Replacement With Wrench
If you are interested in scheduling a mobile engine splash shield replacement with us, all you need to do is visit our website or mobile app. Just request a free quote by giving us some basic information, and we will email you an honest quote for the engine splash shield replacement. Once you have the chance to look over our quote, you will pick any date, time, and location that works best for you. In no time, our mobile technician will be at your doorstep, ready to replace your engine splash shield.
Before you can schedule your appointment, we will need to know some basic information about your car and its needs. You should be prepared to give us the year, make, and model of your vehicle. We will also request the VIN and license plate number. Once we know what kind of vehicle you have, we will ask you to list the services it needs. You can request a mobile engine splash shield replacement as well as any other services. If you are in need of some routine maintenance, kill two birds with one stone and complete your entire auto repair to-do list at once!
All this information will help us better prepare for your appointment, and we will give you a more accurate quote. Our auto repair quote will include both a time and cost estimate for your services, so you will know exactly what to expect.
When our mobile technician arrives to replace your engine splash shield, you will be able to sit back and relax, knowing your car is in good hands. Book your appointment today!
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