under-engine cover

[John Rethorst]

Bought my '01 OBW used, but with only 36k miles and, as far as I could see, in
very nice shape. While in the shop for something else, they told me the
under-engine cover was "all broken up" so I replaced it. What would have caused
that? Driving over rocks? (I don't go off road. I have no idea where the
previous owner drove it, but the car looked nearly mint when I bought it). Could
anything else have caused it? I've never driven over anything that hit the
underside.

 

[Bonehenge]

Bought my '01 OBW used, but with only 36k miles and, as far as I could see, in
very nice shape. While in the shop for something else, they told me the
under-engine cover was "all broken up" so I replaced it. What would have caused
that?

I've been through two of them, and number three is also cracked. All
were damaged by ice chunks left by snow plows.

The cover gets brittle in cold weather and is extremely easy to
damage, so I wouldn't worry about it.

Barry

 

[Erik Litchy]

Bought my '01 OBW used, but with only 36k miles and, as far as I could see, in
very nice shape. While in the shop for something else, they told me the
under-engine cover was "all broken up" so I replaced it. What would have caused
that? Driving over rocks? (I don't go off road. I have no idea where the
previous owner drove it, but the car looked nearly mint when I bought it). Could
anything else have caused it? I've never driven over anything that hit the
underside.

they are made of plastic now a days?

 

[Edward Hayes]

I'm a do-it-myselfer and almost ran over mine while doing an oil
change. I removed the cover and changed oil/filter. Before replacing
cover I started engine to check for leaks ands accidentally move the
car about one foot which was enough to bust/crack the cover. It's
still being used after some repair with pop-rivets and small aluminum
strap pieces. I guess I had a senior moment. Eddie

 

[Danny Russell]

Bought my '01 OBW used, but with only 36k miles and, as far as I could see, in
very nice shape. While in the shop for something else, they told me the
under-engine cover was "all broken up" so I replaced it. What would have caused
that? Driving over rocks? (I don't go off road. I have no idea where the
previous owner drove it, but the car looked nearly mint when I bought it). Could
anything else have caused it? I've never driven over anything that hit the
underside.

I busted a chunk outta mine after driving over (what I thought was) a snow bank, but turned out to
be more of an iceberg.

It's a c.d. reducing airfoil designed to get the underbody airflow started in linear fashion.
Having it in place probably helps to increase fuel mileage by a half of a percent or so at 75mph.
-Danny

 

[Edward Hayes]

Also keeps dirt and stuff out of the engine compartment