I have a '96 Protege and the splash shield has fallen apart. Is it necessary to replace or does it not make a difference? I live in Albuquerque with an annual rainfall average of 9.3"

Thanks for any input.

 

I'm guessing your referring to the under cover for the engine. Although it does help to keep some road debris off the engine, one of it's main jobs is to keep air flowing properly thru the radiator. Without it, according to engineers, air tends to swirl under the hood and does not allow proper flow thru the radiator. I've seen many under covers, on older cars, that just gave up and they were never replaced without a problem. I do know for fact, the new Skyactives will overheat without the undercover.

 

Yes it's the under cover. I haven't had any problem with overheating so I'm just going to leave it alone. Thanks!