2003 Honda Civic Under car protection

WDTREN

MEMBER
2003 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Over the years, the plastic under the car that is apparently to protect the engine from what might get kicked up from the road has deteriorated. The damage has come from, well, stuff kicked up from the road and, most significantly, parking pilons. See, the car is slung so low that when I try to "feel" the pilon when I'm parking, the pilon often tears this plastic.

So the questions are, should I bother replacing it? Is it that important? And if I do, what should I expect to pay? Oh, and what is it called?

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

* Should I bother replacing it? *
Yes, you should.

* Is it that important? *
Like you said, it prevent debris from entering the engine bay. Imagine a piece of rock or wood happens to lodge itself onto the belt area. It is also to keep the engine bay cleaner and easier to work on from dirt, road grime and water from entering the bay. Most technicians hate working on dirty cars.

* And if I do, what should I expect to pay? *
About $100, roughly, from the dealer

* Oh, and what is it called? *
Under carriage protector