I was getting into my car yesterday ('99 A6)and I noticed a black plastic guard hanging down from under the car. Apparently it had gotten ripped off somehow. Im not very familiar with the undercarriage of the car but is that guard just to protect it from mud and the like? Or is it to protect the oil pan? Does it NEED to be on or can it be left off? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, J

 

If you are describing the black panel just rearward of the front bumper, it is called the belly-pan, and is needed to protect some of the stuff under the car, but is also helpful in reducing the wind noise. You can get a new one and the fasteners at the dealer or at www.ECSTuning.com.