The photo in TFA shows some very thin sheet metal, and I don’t think that it is structural in any way.
If it’s thin metal it’s a heat shield. Putting nylon straps on a heat shield is just stupid. But, bad news guys, most shops, including dealer service, just throw these shields out. This is one reason why I change my own oil.
That is literally the aftermarket part name for it when you buy them online. You have to remove it to drain the oil. This thing is so thin it’s basically a dust cover, so all it provides is protection from road debris and helps with aero. It isn’t going to protect anything if you bottom out.
If it’s thin metal it’s a heat shield. Putting nylon straps on a heat shield is just stupid. But, bad news guys, most shops, including dealer service, just throw these shields out. This is one reason why I change my own oil.
I don’t think that’s a heat shield; all it would be shielding is the ground from the engine. It’s right under the oil pan.
It’s a skid plate. Protects engine from debris and provides aero.
JFC…that’s not a skid plate, and that’s no what a skid plate does.
That is literally the aftermarket part name for it when you buy them online. You have to remove it to drain the oil. This thing is so thin it’s basically a dust cover, so all it provides is protection from road debris and helps with aero. It isn’t going to protect anything if you bottom out.
or, a HEAT SHIELD. This prevents engine heat from igniting grass when parked on a field.