How to Replace An Engine Splash Shield – Change by Yourself!

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An engine splash shield’s definition is covered in this guide. We also look at all the ways to replace an engine splash shield for your car and talk about the cost of replacement.

An ordinary car has about 30000 different parts. If you are not an automobile expert, it is difficult to track each part. The engine splash guard, 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 that you can drive safely. If you want to learn more about changing your car’s engine splash shield, read on!

Quick Look of Engine Splash Shield Replacement

Lift your car, then use jack stands to support the weight. You won’t need to lift your car if it has enough ground clearance for you to maneuver underneath it.
Push pins on the old splash shield’s edges should be pry-opened.
The splash shield is secured in place by four screws as well. With a Phillips screwdriver, remove these. When taking out the final screw, keep one hand on the splash shield.
Now that the old splash shield is detached. Remove it.
Install the new splash shield with screws.
The push-pin connectors should be changed.

What Is An Engine Splash Shield

The engine splash guard, also known as the skid plate, lower hood, or engine splash guard, is a panel located under your car engine to protect it from debris on the road. It prevents small stones, nails, water, or dust from coming into direct contact with your engine and protects it from adverse road conditions.

Although it is called an “engine splash shield”, it can protect other sensitive parts except for the engine. Other components that benefit from the engine splash shield include the oil pan, gearbox, etc. Without it, these components will need to be replaced more often because they are essential to keep your vehicle started and running.

Because it is located under your car and is designed to withstand the blow, you may need to replace it at least once in the life cycle of your car. Depending on the general condition of the road you are driving, it may be faster than you think.

However, you only need to replace your engine splash shield if it is damaged or worn.

Although technically you can drive without an engine splash shield, we do not recommend this. If your engine splash shield is damaged, debris from the road may hit sensitive parts of your car and damage them. Replacing the engine, oil pan or transmission is much more expensive than replacing the engine splash shield.

How to Choose an Engine Splash Shield-Metal Or Plastic?

f 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 choose the best one for your car.

Plastic engine splash shields tend to be more affordable, but they may not be as strong. Plastic is a softer and more fragile material, which is more easily damaged than metal. If you finally choose the plastic engine splash shield, you may need to replace it more frequently, but if the affordability is worth the risk, buy it!

Metal engine splash shields are more expensive, but you can expect them to be more durable than plastic ones. If you often drive in areas with a lot of gravel or poor road conditions, the choice of a metal engine splash guard may be worth the investment.

Having said so much, different engine splash shields are available for different manufacturers and models. If you buy your own and install it yourself, make sure you buy a job with your specific brand 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 Do You Need?

A new engine splash shield
Socket wrench or screwdriver
Screws, bolts and washers
Car jack
Flat head screwdriver
A clean, dry cloth
Protective equipment (goggles, close-fitting shoes, gloves, etc.)
Flashlight

How to Do it?

Park your car in a safe and level place.
Make sure the car is completely cooled after driving.
Jack your roof high enough to access the engine splash shield.
Position the engine splash shield with a flashlight.
Wipe the pavement with a clean cloth to remove any debris from the pavement. Position the screws, bolts, and washers that secure the engine splash shield.
Use a socket wrench or various screwdrivers to remove the screws, bolts and gaskets.
Remove the old engine splash shield.
Place the new engine splash shield on your vehicle and secure it with appropriate bolts, screws and washers.
Put down your car and test drive your car to ensure that the engine splash shield is fully fastened.

Benefits of An Engine Splash Shield

1. Protects Against Dust

The majority of auto parts, particularly the engine and transmission, are enemies of dust. Efficiency would be lost if dust were to enter one or both of these crucial parts. Water can enter these components with dust, causing corrosion or rust.

You also need to be cautious about salt or sand exposure, which is more frequent in the winter. The splash shield keeps the two of them from entering the engine.

2. Protects Against Impact

You are aware that many objects are waiting to seriously harm the parts of the vehicle underneath as you cross the road. The hood provides protection for the top of the engine, so the shield is only required for the lower part.

Every time you hit a curb or pothole without a shield in place, you would suffer significant damage. In addition, the engine would be struck by errant stones that were thrown up on the road, which could have disastrous consequences. In addition to the engine leaking oil, another possibility is that you’ll be left stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle.

If you don’t have an off-road vehicle, the protection against hard objects is limited because the majority of engine splash shields today are made of plastic.

3. Off-Road Protection

You get the security you want if you want to drive your car off-road. Take into account the rocky, bouldery, and log surfaces you will come across on the trail.

These potentially hazardous situations won’t harm the powertrain if the engine has a splash shield. To ensure maximum protection, the majority of off-road vehicles use equipment and skid plates that have been strengthened.

4. Reduces Corrosion

Corrosion is certain to occur if dust and water can get inside the engine or other important components. Engine rust is the last thing you need to worry about.

You need a splash shield underneath to protect the engine from that vantage point because the hood covers the top of it. When you travel on icy or wet roads, moisture won’t get inside the engine, extending its lifespan.

5. Catches Leaking Fluids

Today, a lot of splash shields are made of a special material that can absorb liquid engine leakage. If you had previously removed a splash guard and been surprised by how heavy it was, you might have noticed this. Numerous fluids that leak from the engine compartment, including engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid, can actually be sucked in by it.

Although it is not a long-term solution for your leaky engine, it will stop liquids from leaking onto the roads, where they may be hazardous to the environment and traffic safety.

Related: Is Your Car Leaking Fluid? (How to Identify The Liquid)

6. Easy to Replace

You will be amazed at how simple it is to install a new engine splash shield when you consider how challenging it would be to replace the transmission or engine. Despite the fact that every car can use a different type, installation is never too challenging.

The installation process is the same whether you choose splash shields made of metal or plastic. The installation is finished after a few screws are put in.

The installation of an aftermarket skid plate may require some welding, though, if your car didn’t come with a splash shield. It can be a bit pricey and labor-intensive to complete this process.

Metal vs. Plastic Engine Splash Shield

How can you tell if a plastic or metal engine splash shield is the best choice for your car? There are benefits and drawbacks to both choices.

The less expensive option is the plastic engine splash shield, which is standard on the majority of newer vehicles. It won’t, however, be anywhere near as robust as a metal shield. Plastic breaks more easily than other materials because it is a soft material. In comparison to a shield made of metal, the damage is more likely to happen. If you don’t want to pay for another shield or deal with another installation in the future, this is something to take into account. You may have saved more money by choosing a metal option if you installed multiple plastic shields over the course of the vehicle.

Because it is made of more expensive material, the metal engine splash shield will cost more. But compared to plastic versions, these skid plates last much longer. A metal shield will do a better job of protecting the engine if you are driving off-road or through difficult terrain. In these circumstances, it is frequently worthwhile to pay extra money to protect the valuable components. However, you must keep in mind that these are frequently much heavier.

Engine Splash Shield Replacement Cost

The typical cost of replacing a plastic engine splash shield ranges from $25 to $150. An alternative would be to spend $75 to $250 on a metal engine splash shield.

However, when you consider the crucial components it is safeguarding, this marginally higher cost is more than justified. When attempting to protect the engine or transmission, you shouldn’t really cut corners. A metal shield might be a better option than a plastic one if one is available for the car model you drive.

There won’t be any labor charges if you can replace the engine splash shield on your own. You can install the new shield in place in about an hour with the help of a car jack, jack stands, a socket wrench, a screwdriver, and the appropriate bolts. You might have to pay an additional $65 to $200 in labor costs if you can’t do it on your own. If there isn’t a splash shield already in place, the cost of welding will not be included in this estimate. The engine skid plate shouldn’t need to be replaced very frequently, though.

Conclusion: Engine Splash Shield Replacement

As you can see, Replace An Engine Splash Shield is not difficult and can be easily done by patiently following the steps provided by Women. Hope this article helps you。

Read the following post about spare parts replacement if you are interested!

FAQs of Engine Splash Shield

Can You Replace Your Own Splash Shield?

To save money, you could also do the repair yourself. Most engine splash shields are simple barriers made of rubber or plastic that are fastened in place with screws. Put the new splash shield in place after simply removing the screws from the old one.

Can You Drive Without Engine Splash Shield

While it is technically possible to drive without an engine splash shield, we don’t advise it. Road debris could hit delicate parts of your car and hurt them if your engine splash shield is damaged.

How Long Does It Take to Replace Engine Splash Shield?

It’s a quite simple and straightforward process that shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. Contact us if you have any inquiries about changing your splash shield.

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