Question: Is Your Car’s Engine Splash Shield Hanging? Here’s What to Do

Does your car make a scratching or scraping noise from time to time when driving? While this noise might stem from various defective parts, a hanging engine splash shield could be the culprit.

When this car part hangs down, it might get dragged on the road, creating discomfort. The splash shield’s location – underneath a vehicle’s engine – means you barely check its condition. But over time, it can succumb to damage and hang down.

So, what should you do if you have an engine splash shield hanging? This article provides ways to address this problem to enjoy a smoother and quieter ride. We’ll also explain the role of the splash shield, why it’s hanging, and more.

Answer: Role of the Engine Splash Shield

You might have heard people mention the skid plate, engine splash shield, undercarriage cover, under-engine cover, or engine splash guard. All these names refer to the piece of metal or plastic fastened below the engine bay.

Each car type has a unique splash shield designed to match its contours. Your car’s engine splash shield might cover the engine bay only or the entire underside. So, what does this component do on your car’s underside?

The engine splash shield prevents road debris, water, or snow from hitting components in the engine bay. Without this cover, water, snow, dust, mud, or debris might get kicked and enter the engine bay when driving. And if such happens, vital components like the turbocharger, oil filter, and intercooler can get damaged.

Besides protecting the engine from damage, the splash shield reduces the vehicle’s aerodynamic drag. It shields the engine’s underbelly to enhance smooth airflow underneath the car while driving. Reduced aerodynamic drag and turbulence result in greater fuel economy and increased handling.

The splash shield is an effective noise-reduction component. It dampens road noise, tire noise, and vibrations underneath the car. Such noises can be transmitted through the frame and to the cabin.

Question: Why is My Car’s Engine Splash Shield Hanging?

The splash shield’s location makes it a potential candidate for damage. It bears all the brunt when objects like stones, sticks, water, snow, road salt, and curbs hit the undercarriage.

So, understanding the potential causes can be essential before fixing a hanging splash shield. Doing so can help you avoid driving habits that can trigger damage to this vital part. Here’s a list of causes of a hanging engine splash shield:

  • Impact damage: Damage can occur after hitting curbs, speed bumps, stones, and other road objects, causing the shield to hang down.
  • Loose or damaged fasteners: Bolts or clips fasten the splash shield to the engine’s underside. Over time, these bolts or clips can become loose or damaged, making the shield hang down.
  • Corrosion: Metallic splash shields are more prone to damage resulting from corrosion. Road salt, water, and snow can cause corrosion on fastening points. When this part weakens due to a rust buildup, it’ll finally hang or fall off.
  • Wear and tear: Excessive vibrations and extreme weather conditions can cause the splash shield or its fasteners to wear out. Eventually, this part will loosen and hang.
  • Improper installation: The splash shield can hang if not properly installed during subsequent mechanical work, like during oil changes.

Answer: How to Fix a Hanging Engine Splash Shield

The ideal fix for a hanging engine splash shield depends on the state your shield is in. You may opt to tighten the fasteners, install new fasteners, and repair or replace the shield.

So, jack up your car and inspect this component. Then consider the following fixes:

Bolt the Shield Back in Place

Does the splash shield appear okay, but its bolts or clips are loose, damaged, or missing? If so, you only need to fix the fasteners. Ensure all the bolts or clips are available and in good condition. Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose bolts.

If some bolts or clips are missing, install new ones and fasten them correctly. While inspecting the fasteners, you might find them worn, broken, or corroded. In that case, you’ll need to replace them.

Sometimes, the shield might be broken or worn around the area where you install the fasteners. Instead of replacing the entire splash shield, look for larger locking washers and fit them around the fasteners. The washers will cover the broken areas and allow for proper fastening. If you can’t find reliable washers, use bottle caps.

Repair the Splash Shield

You can repair the engine splash shield if it’s torn or broken but still attached to mounting points. However, this is possible if the damage is not severe. So, inspect the shield to see if a repair can be a solution.

Before starting the job, remove the broken pieces from your car’s underside and place them on a flat surface. Then, use these three methods to repair it:

Apply Glue

High-strength glue like J-B Weld Plastic Epoxy or Gorilla Glue can help hold a broken or cracked shield together. You only need to apply the glue on the broken edges and firmly reconnect the broken shield into place.

Once the broken parts are in position, hold them together for 20-30 seconds. The goal is to prevent them from slipping out of place as the glue starts to set. Then, allow your glue to cure for a few hours or per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Sew With a Thin Wire

You can also use a thin wire to repair an engine splash shield hanging. Drill some spaced holes through the broken pieces and sew them together. You can also apply glue before stitching the broken pieces with your wire.

Remember to treat this as a temporary fix. The wire can rust over time due to water, road salt, or snow and break. You can rely on this temporary fix before installing a new engine splash shield.

Reconnect With Zip Ties

If you don’t prefer wires, zip ties can help you repair a broken splash shield hanging on your car’s undercarriage. Zip ties are more reliable than wires and can last 10,000 miles. They’re also cheap and easy to install.

Like wires, drill some holes along the broken pieces. Then, insert and fasten your zip ties to reconnect the broken pieces properly.

After repairing the splash shield, reinstall it on your vehicle’s underside. Tighten the fasteners and countercheck to ensure everything looks okay.

Replace the Splash Shield

Replace the hanging splash shield if it looks damaged beyond repair. Luckily, this is a job you can complete in 30 minutes with your basic tools. Start by jacking up your car, removing the old/damaged shield, and installing the new one.

Alternatively, you can leave this work to a professional at a repair shop. Replacement costs can range between $80 and $180, including labor, depending on vehicle type and model.

Question: Can You Drive Without the Engine Splash Shield?

You can drive without the engine splash shield, particularly for a short distance. There’s no harm done to your engine if you drive on paved roads.

However, removing this component can increase aerodynamic drag. As a result, your ride will consume more fuel and foul up its handling.

Additionally, driving without this shield exposes your engine’s components to damaging objects. For example, engine parts can get damaged when you drive over curbs, rocks, snow, speed bumps, or puddles.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this guide helps you fix an engine splash shield hanging. Keeping this vital component in good shape can help you save money and time on engine repair. The splash shield protects your engine from water, road salt, mud, snow, rocks, and other debris that can damage various components.

Start by inspecting the damage to know the way forward. Then, bolt, repair, or replace the hanging engine splash shield if necessary. You can also seek professional help if fixing the shield feels intimidating.