Need to replace under engine splash guard - and a tale

[Ikons697]

Alright, my story of stupidity (and I learned my lesson) is that I was on a trip in NW Florida, got lost, didn't get to do my stargazing which is a big hobby of mine, and I had never topped off my 3.8 v6 coupe. Unfortunately though, in the past its hit a curb or two, which probably loosened some things and allowed a lot of air into the area that shouldn't have been in there. Which I didn't have checked out.


Keep in mind, this was in the middle of nowhere, I had both hands on the wheel and was in control of the vehicle....never had any tickets or at fault accidents besides curb stuff...I was annoyed/pissed at this plus some life stuff/wasn't thinking straight at all so it probably wasn't a good idea to do it in a forested area, but I usually do a drive thru of the area before I haul ass to check for cops/animals and I guess I didn't care. I usually drive conservatively but just had to get it out of my system

First time, I hit 140, but that wasn't enough. I did it again and tried to hit the speed limiter at 152, but stupidly I overshot the area (I think at 145-150) that I scouted out because I was being dumb. It got a little bumpy, and then I heard this click and braked. I always check my tire pressure, maintenance, everything before ever attempting these shenanningans. So I knew it wasn't that I blew a tire because I was still doing about 120 when the scraping began (and it didn't sound too loud). I didn't freak out which probably would have made it a lot worse.

Turned out that the under engine plastic thing had partially fallen off, and was impossible to put back on. The guy that was supposed to tow me all the way to gainesville (and it'd cost me like $300) managed to tie it together with some stuff from my emergency road kit that I sure as hell couldn't have done myself. I tipped the guy because he saved my ass, and it did hold together and I drove back to my hotel safely.

Anyway, when I got home I realized it was just the stupid splash guard (I think). It's all plastic stuff and a few bolts, nothing serious or engine related or metal. So what am I looking at? I have a few options. Get it fixed here in Florida and get ripped off, but if its just $200-300 or something and they can get it done in a few hrs I'll take it (I know the part itself doesn't cost much). Alternative is I drive to the car train down in Sanford (I drove down here but I wouldn't risk driving back up in this condition), go up to DC, drive 20 miles to MD where some of my folks are then fix this myself after ordering the part. So, what am I in for, guys? And I thought maybe this should serve as a reminder to be extra careful; I'm guessing since this isn't such an expensive car things like 'splash guards' aren't a huge priority.

I'm not a big fan of 'speed trap towns', but yeah, I won't be going that fast in this car again and it was careless. Just need to know what I'm in for. I have money, but I've spent a lot recently. The funny thing was all the bugs absolutely plastered to the front of my car.

Update: I've been driving around a little bit and its really quite okay, so hopefully this isn't too bad.

 

[homeofstone]

What about getting your insurance company to fix less your deductable? Something was on the road that you drove over damaged it.

 

[Ikons697]

Deductible is probably too high since I didn't cause any damage to the car itself. Everything's fine except the plastic under-guard. So if it runs me up to $500, there'd be no real point to going thru insurance. I googled some 'engine underguards' and they look like they're in the $50-150 range, but I don't know what it is for this specific car. There's a very nice Hyundai dealer nearby with stellar reviews though now that I looked, so I'll get it checked out there. It basically looks like something that could be replaced really easily and quickly if hoisted up.

If I had really messed something up, I would have heard something very very loud...it was just this annoying scraping and I was fully able to drive the car afterwards. Even with a couple minor potholes, rail crossings...I was able to drive normally at a normal speed and no change to the engine or anything. Seems after some googling that I could have dragged the guard back 60 miles if I wanted to, it would have just been obnoxious. Is it true that people drive without them sometimes, that they're just protection from gravel etc and provide slightly less drag? Do they serve any other purpose? It also seems that a lot of people lose theirs and its not something 'critical'.

Even if its just over $500, I'll pay especially if I can get a stronger underguard. The deductible may be even higher than that, I'd have to check, but its at least $500.

 

[interrex]

"Splat" he did not see that SEMI truck going 140mph. 2 years ago today a friend was passing a truck doing over 100mph and a car pulled out in front of him and his girl friend was on the back of his motorcycle. It was quick I think there was no suffering, both died instantly. To this day everyday his kids are still moaning his death on Facebook. So my point is one screw up other people suffer. I was guilty of the speed thing but as I get older I am done. I am into how many miles I can squeeze out of a gallon..

 

[Ikons697]

Yeah, thats horrible...thankfully I never do things like that. Not around other cars or peoples houses, weaving thru traffic, drunk driving, etc. If I'm gonna go fast on the highway occasionally, I'll slow down to pass people because this isn't Germany...people aren't used to it. But you're talking more 90-110, not 140.

 

[Ikons697]

Well, I had a great road trip. Cape hatteras, Cary, Raleigh, the whole nine yards. Simply had them leave it in the trunk when they changed the oil, and trashed it. Anyone know where to get a new one so I can replace it myself?

 

[homeofstone]

Check with a salvage yard that is networked nationally with other yards and they may can get you a used one. Also, check with a major body shop near you and ask where they could get one cheap. Last it may only be available at dealer. Check on ebay too.

 

[JoeBlown]

There are 6 10mm bolts that hold it in place. You could replace it yourself ?

If not it's a dealer item. Find a shop that will install it for the actual time it will take, like 15 minutes.

If you lived close to me I would do it for you.

These under pans are about the strongest and thickest I have seen in my time. You must have wacked that thing many times to crack it so it would catch air and break. Unless you have a aluminum one made you won't find stronger.