Engine Splash shield

Engine Splash Shield Replacement Cost

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

The engine, the centerpiece of any car, can give big headaches even to the most skilled service specialists when it fails due to improper usage. In other words, since such a situation is reached, the cost of repairing or replacing it is much higher than if you opt for a cheap car accessory – the engine splash shield.

An engine splash shield has the role of protecting the engine and the oil bath from external factors, but especially from rust. For example, the metal engine shield provides greater strength and durability compared to the plastic one.

How much does it cost to replace an engine splash shield?

The cost to replace the engine splash shield for the majority of the cars starts at around $60. The prices might be higher for SUVs or larger trucks, with the cost of the original manufacturer parts anywhere between $60 and $130.

Also, you have to consider the labor costs that are anywhere between $85 and $130 per hour, if you choose to go to a car service and have the engine splash shield replaced by a professional. Expect lower prices at a local independent shop and budget more for a dealership.

The prices are different across the country, but this job should not take more than an hour. So, the final price would include the labor costs for one hour and the cost of the parts.

The costs are also influenced by the make and model of the vehicle and the quality of the shield (OEM or aftermarket). In the table below you will find the average costs of replacing the engine shield for different types of cars.

Sample Vehicle Make & Model Part Details Engine Splash Shield Sample Price
Audi A3 OEM Replacement $100 – $110
BMW 330i OEM Replacement $100 – $120
Dodge Ram 1500 Aftermarket $65 – $300
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Aftermarket $20 – $45
Ford F-150 Aftermarket – Plastic $15 – $20
Ford F-150 Aftermarket – Aluminum $475 – $490
Honda Civic Aftermarket $13 – $20
Honda Accord Aftermarket $13 – $40
Toyota Camry x Aftermarket $15 – $35
Nissan Altima Aftermarket $15 – $40
Volvo S80 OEM Replacement $75 – $85
Volkswagen Golf OEM Replacement $100 – $110
Mini Cooper OEM Replacement $125 – $140
Land Rover LR3 Aftermarket $475 – $500
Acura MDX Aftermarket $10 – $35

It is important to mention that there are cars that have more than one engine splash shield installed. Some cars have only one engine shield placed in the center, while other cars have a passenger and driver side shield. Also, other cars have lower and upper shields. So, you must make sure you buy and replace the right one.

You might also like our articles about the cost of car undercoating, oil change, or oil pan replacement.

Taking into consideration all the factors mentioned above the costs to replace the engine splash shield are on average $30 to $70, with a minimum of $10 to $20 and a maximum between $180 and more than $265.

Engine splash shield replacement details

New Splash ShieldThe replacement of an engine splash shield does not involve modifications to the car (holes or welds), it is mounted in the original car clamps.

The steps to follow are relatively simple and consist of:

Step 1. Park the machine on a flat surface (straight, uneven), lift the car on the jack and fix it on a stand to make sure it does not fall. The existence of a ramp would be very useful.

Step 2. The place of mounting the shield is located taking into account the manual with which it comes from the manufacturer. If the shield is replaced, the old shield is removed. At this point, you can also check for any damage already suffered by the engine or gearbox.

Step 3. Install the new shield, install the screws, tighten the washers and clamps. Important – make sure they are all mounted and tightened correctly (you wouldn’t want to see the shield on the floor)!

Step 4. After installing the shield, check the last details and if everything is in order, remove the fixing stand, jack and lower the car.

Step 5. Test the car.

Types of engine splash shields

Plastic engine splash shields

Most engine shields are plastic shields made of high-density materials or fiberglass. These types of shields offer a balance between lightweight and protection. Most car manufacturers equip cars with a plastic shield which, unfortunately, only protects the engine from dirt. However, if it happens to hit the bottom of the car or simply cross a very stony or uneven road, the chances of survival of these shields decrease and implicitly the loss of protection can affect the oil bath and the engine.

Metal engine splash shields

For a more durable choice try metal shields. More expensive, these shields are harder and offer better protection compared to plastic shields. However, it must be kept in mind that a heavy metal shield will add extra weight and can change the balance of the car. The shield must not load the front axle of the car unnecessarily, but it must also be enough to provide protection. Choose a shield made of 2 mm – 2.5 mm electrostatically painted steel sheet – it will not change the balance of the machine and will protect the engine and gearbox from water, rust and shocks at the same time.

The stainless steel engine splash shield does not influence the engine temperature in any way. The engine temperature is kept in check by the fan and thermostat. In addition, from the manufacturing stage, the shield is provided with ventilation holes.

Important things to consider

When replacing the engine splash shield you must consider the “airflow”. Each shield is provided with suitable slots and grooves strategically placed to allow air to flow into and out of the engine compartment. Failure to do so may cause the engine temperature to rise to dangerous levels. The existence of stiffening ribs on its surface contributes to a higher strength of the shield, impact stability, and increases adhesion. The shield protects both the engine and the gearbox and has a window to facilitate the change of engine oil. Once the shield is installed, it is not necessary to disassemble it for the periodic oil change.

An engine splash shield must meet the following conditions:

  • shock protection (made by a shield not very heavy but at the same time rigid);
  • protection against moisture, dust, and dirt;
  • rust protection;
  • thermal protection;
  • window for an oil change;
  • aerodynamic shape.

Why do you need an engine splash shield?

Protects the car’s engine from shocks

The importance of a car engine is well known to everyone. If at the top it is tightly protected by the hood, and at the sides, it is covered and reinforced by the body, at the bottom the engine is exposed to bumps, dirt, and dirt. The shield offers the only protection, both in case you hit an object and against water, snow, mud, or dust. In the absence of a shield, hitting a curb, potholes, stones, or any other obstacle can break the car’s oil bath. In this case, the continuation of the journey becomes impossible, and the repair is quite expensive. The technologies used by car manufacturers are constantly evolving. At the research level, the best solutions are sought to protect the car’s components, and the engine receives special attention. Thus, the motor shield was made to protect more and more elements, with the help of the resistant materials from which it is made.

Protects car parts from dust

For certain parts of your car, dust is one of the biggest enemies. The engine and gearbox lose a lot of efficiency if they have to run heavy components of impurities. Also, where dust enters, water can take its place, and behind it, rust and corrosion. Especially in the cold season, the car comes in contact with parts of the road on which anti-skid material was spread with a lot of salt in the composition. The role of the engine shield is to protect the lower part of the car against impurities. In addition, the more noise-proof the engine is on all sides, the better it runs, produces less noise, and has a longer lifespan.

How do I choose the right engine splash shield for my car?

Engine shields are not universal. They are designed to fit perfectly on each model of the vehicle and follow its shape. There are shields that fit on several car models (this does not mean they are universal) because their platform is identical. Each engine protection is designed taking into account the characteristics and vulnerabilities of each car. The risk of damage to the individual engine components, transmission, and attachments will also be considered. When choosing the shield we will take into account the make, the model of the car, the type of engine, and last but not least the type of gearbox (manual or automatic).

What are the extra costs?

If you choose to replace the engine splash shield yourself it would not be that hard, but you will need some tools besides the shield, like:

  1. a hydraulic jack;
  2. an additional fixing stand;
  3. a flashlight or work lamp;
  4. screwdrivers;
  5. the right keys;
  6. working gloves;
  7. safety glasses.

How can I save money?

You can reduce the costs of the engine splash shield replacement if you do this at the same time with other repairs needed for your vehicle. There are situations when the oil pan needs repairs and to get to it the shield has to be removed. When putting back all the parts, most of the mechanics will install a new shield for free.

Alec Pow
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