Is it safe to drive without an engine cover?

July 9, 2009 9:58 AM

Is it safe to drive a car without an engine cover? I damaged the engine cover of my 08 Scion xB, so I removed it to install a new one from the factory. However, it is now apparent that I won't finish the job today, and I need to drive my car.

When I say engine cover, I mean the piece of black plastic that attaches to the bottom of the car to keep rocks and other road debris out of the engine compartment.

The reason I won't finish the job today is due to the fact that, upon removing the damaged pieces, I discovered that there are two separate pieces instead of one, and the second piece won't arrive until morning. It's also raining here now, so it makes getting even the larger piece on even harder.

So if I stay off the dirt roads, am I risking harm to my car if I drive it for a day without these parts installed?

Thanks for your help.

posted by 4ster to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

It's absolutely fine. Cars didn't have them for years, and it is less to prevent flying rocks going in there as for aero to reduce drag for fuel consumption anyway.

Don't worry.
posted by Brockles at 10:02 AM on July 9

If it's raining, you have to be real careful not to get water into the spark plug wells. If it's an 08, the plug seals should still be pretty good, but still be leery of the electricals stuff. That can get messed up if water gets in unwanted places.
posted by Geppp at 10:06 AM on July 9

You'll be totally and completely fine.
That cover is in place, like you said, to prevent crud intrusion, insulate sound, and assist in channeling air around the car and into the engine bay.
Half the cars that I work on come through with their belly pan either missing or demolished to some degree.

Do. Not. Sweat. This.
posted by Jon-o at 10:06 AM on July 9

I drove my Mazda Protege without one for years, after it got ripped off by a bad parking job.
posted by smackfu at 10:07 AM on July 9

Just don't drive off a cliff trying to race against Harry Hamlin and you'll be ok.
posted by orme at 10:31 AM on July 9

Oh, i totally misread your question. Yea, you'll be fine.
posted by Geppp at 10:34 AM on July 9

Although the covers have some practical use they are mostly cosmetic.
posted by bz at 10:50 AM on July 9

Thanks everyone for your help. I feel much better. You guys are the best!
posted by 4ster at 10:52 AM on July 9