How many of you guys put that plastic scrape guard underneith the engine back on? It looks like its more for aerodynamics anyway, but does anyone know the real purpose? The reason I am asking is because i changed the thermostat today and i couldnt get it to go back on right so im just making sure it will be alright without it.

 

i leave it on
it protects it from mud, dirt, rocks and other stuff

 

my car didnt come with any kind of guard underneath it, im guessin previous owner took it off, but i keep all engine plastics and such on the car usually, im actually lookin for a metal skid plate type design to go underneath the car cuz it looks like the oil pan is quite vulnerble and the material is aluminum so it looks like one good rock or strike to the oil pan and you got trouble, hence me wanting the metal skid plate, if anyone knows of anyone who makes em for a 96 audi a4 pm me or just reply cuz i definitly want one.

 

www.dieselgeek.com used to make them for our cars, not anymore... I think there is a heavy duty one available from the dealer though, or so dieselgeek said. Don't think it's metal though...

 

I'm a rebel and left mine off.... but i am wanting to put it on for that little extra protection. We have some lovely dirt roads not more than an hour from where i live.

 

i dont hvae it on b/c its a huge pain and does nothing for me. I dont off road and i my car doesnt leak anything. I also live where they're only smooth roads so i dont worry. Everytime i get under the car im glad i dont have it on anymore.

 

what gaurd?

 

^^^ yeah what he said, what guard? Actually mine had to come off because of the signficant other, she some how manage to find a way to elongate the mounting holes on it..

 

It really does have a purpose. Prevents a high pressure zone from developing under and behind the engine which can trap air in the engine bay and reduce flow through the radiator. I know it sounds backwards to cover an area to increase flow but its fact. A buy product is reduced noise in some applications but not all.