I went driving in some mud puddles for the first time yesterday in my 01 outback, and while I was cleaning the muck and plants out of my foglights afterwards I noticed that the giant plastic under-engine splashguard was all cracked and held together by zip-ties. Then after stopping for gas it was dragging on the ground, so I pitched it in the trash.

 

Are these things good for anything? Should I bother to replace it?

It keeps water and crap from splashing up on the engine. You may or may not get wind noise under the hood without it. I wold replace it, but you may want to try driving with it for a while and see what happens.

 

nipper

It was good for being in the way when I change the oil on my Forester. I live in CA so it is not keeping snow out of there at which it may be useful. I have seen no noticeable difference on my car in the year I've had it off. If I can still find it I'll give it to the next owner.

They help reduce drag on the underside of the car too. The gas milage difference might not be measurable, but every little bit helps...

(disclaimer, my Legacy has been splash-guardless the whole time I've had it)

Well since yours is busted up, if you're getting a hankering for off-roading, maybe you just want to replace it with a skid plate.

The second i started offroading the OBS... all of the plastic under it just vaporized

i didn't notice much of a difference.

I went driving in some mud puddles for the first time yesterday in my 01 outback, and while I was cleaning the muck and plants out of my foglights afterwards I noticed that the giant plastic under-engine splashguard was all cracked and held together by zip-ties. Then after stopping for gas it was dragging on the ground, so I pitched it in the trash.

 

Are these things good for anything? Should I bother to replace it?

 

The 06 impreza wagon I got first started making rubbing noises late this winter. I noticed one of the flaps was loose (and rubbing ) so I reinstalled the plastic rivet.

Later I had the dealer check the underside and they reported back that the splash guard was also damaged and partially missing. I eventually replaced it. THe underside looked beautiful without it.

Before they got the $120 CAN part I drove around for two or three weeks with it off.

 

With it the car is quieter, can't hear the engine as much and less wind blown at speed.

I also noticed that the engine might be running hotter (probably the designed temp) because I can hear a normal level of contraction now when it cools.

 

I can only guess what caused this as we are not the first owners.They drove it a full winter in Quebec.

 

Now it's right as rain!