Engine Splash Shield Replacement

An engine shield is also known as an engine splash shield or engine splash guard. If yours is going bad, it’s best to know how to install an engine splash guard.

If you've jacked up your vehicle, you've seen the large plastic covering underneath. These protective parts come with many cars, trucks, and SUVs. On most vehicles, an engine shield is a large piece of plastic bolted underneath your car. Because it’s so simple, many people ask, “Can you drive without an engine splash shield?” You can, but we would NOT recommend it.

Purpose of An Engine Splash Guard?

Manufacturers put it there for a very important reason. It protects your car’s engine from water and debris damaging your vehicle's engine. The engine shield also is a physical barrier between your vehicle's engine and the road. If you hit a bump and “bottom out,” the engine shield bears the brunt of the damage instead of your oil pan, suspension, etc. Engine splash shields also provide aerodynamic benefits to your vehicle. They create the least amount of air resistance, which helps improve your car’s gas mileage.

So, while an engine shield is a piece of plastic, it’s not just a piece of plastic. If you damage the engine splash shield or tear it off, we recommend replacing it. It’s all too easy to hit a bump and damage the sensitive parts beneath your vehicle. For example, you can shear your oil pan off and ruin your car’s engine. Why risk that when you can easily handle an engine splash shield replacement?

What You Need to Know About Engine Splash Shields

It’s not that difficult to do, but there are some things you need to know. There are those made by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket makers. OEM engine splash shields cost more, but you know they’ll fit as long as you choose the right one for your vehicle. Aftermarket engine splash shields cost less, and you'll have more options.

Before you go poking around underneath your vehicle, it’s best to be sure you have the right tools. Here is a basic list of what you’ll need to conduct an engine splash shield replacement:

• Socket wrench
• Screwdriver
• Screws, bolts, and washers
• Jack
• A fresh rag (clean and dry)
• Safety glasses
• Disposable gloves
• Work light

How to Fix an Engine Splash Shield in 10 Steps

Once you shop JB Tools to get the right tools, here’s a general description of how to replace an engine splash shield. Please keep in mind that every vehicle is different. It’s best to consult a repair manual for your vehicle before attempting any auto repair. With that said, here is a general overview of replacing an engine splash shield:

1. Park your car on a safe, flat surface.
2. Make sure your car has fully cooled before starting.
3. Jack up the vehicle high enough to access the engine splash shield.
4. Use the flashlight to find the engine splash shield.
5. Wipe down the surface with your clean rag to remove any debris from the road.
6. Locate the screws, bolts, and washers that keep the engine shield in place.
7. Remove those screws, bolts, and washers with your socket wrench and screwdrivers.
8. Remove the old engine splash shield.
9. Place the new engine splash shield on your car and secure it with the proper bolts, screws, and washers.
10. Lower your vehicle and test drive your car to make sure you properly fastened it to your car.

Good luck with your engine splash shield replacement!