I ran over something on the highway and it just ripped through the shield on the bottom of my car. Any idea what the part is? All I found was plastic undercarriage that goes in the front online.

Driver side.

Also, shouldn't there be on the other side as well? Did it just take the other side?

 

What is that "shield" made of? In the picture, it almost looks like felt? My CX-5 is older, and it has the (thin, fragile) plastic from nose to tail.

IMO, none of this is much of a "shield" to protect anything from impact damage. Instead, it is almost certainly there to make the car a little more aerodynamic in an effort to boost highway mpg.

Given the way yours is hanging down and catching wind, I'd recommend removing (unless you can somehow repair it).

 

No it is not to make the car aerodynamic (LOL) nor is it really meant for under carriage protection (really it is little soft for that purpose) although it does secondary serve as such only slightly because very few road debris get kicked up in the area that could cause damage to the undercarriage) ... it is however there to reduce road noise. Thats it folks!!!


While it may seem like a logical place for air flow under the vehicle there is actually less than you would think. This has to do with how air pressure is developed both high- and low-pressure area's.
This is why some of use that run axillary fluid (oil or coolant) cooler underneath many vehicles must use a fan on them because of lack of sufficient air flow to utilize the maximum benefits of the cooler.

 

No? LOL???

Here's a company that specializes in aftermarket "Underbody Systems": LINKY




They actually list improved aerodynamics as the primary feature of their underbody cladding, but I'll send them a note to let them know "That's not true (LOL)".

 

Um first we are talking about the MAZDA and NO it is not for aro dynamics on that Mazda in this thread.

As for your other smart **** in a way respo0nse please go to their website and try to find product for a Mazda of this type in their line of products? Also their primary product line is for SOUND CONTROL to reduce noise a as well as improve better control interior temperatures. I know the company I know some we (as in other members on other platforms) have had this conversation about the universal products that claim aerodynamic capabilities and debunked it. While some of their product that was engineered and tested in a wind tunnel or at least a simulated program (they did not real-world test in an actual wind tunel) may be beneficially at velocities in excess of 60mph and a very few platforms and very model specific vehicles it is not their bread and butter.
However staying on topic and as you obviously did not see in the part and grasp the concept that is material that does effect in a negative way the air flow then maybe you will at least consider that is is used by Mazda for sound control. Contact MAZDA USA and ask them if you don't like my responses even though I hold a certification in Aircraft Structural Analysis and Modification Certification, which also means I have qualification to analyze aero dynamic precibal and practical application and theory. LOL

Oh if you want a DIY test, you can attach several ribbons of various length under your MAZDA attach a Go-Pro camera. Then do a drive and record the speeds and at the various tomes and then down load all your data and see what you find out about what goes on under your MAZDA and post back the findings.

BTW I also engineer and developed a couple of systems and components that I was able to use the wind tunnel at the old AERO JET Labotories in Ranch Cordova CA in the early 20's so I know very well what goes on around at least a couple of sprot car having to do with Aerodynamic specially for one area under the vehicle.

Maybe because you are some what new to this forum, I would recommend before you take to questioning any member especially long-time supporting member that you look into their user profile and maybe some threads they personally have started. That way you don't look like so much of an internet armchair wizard finding subject material that you think supports a debate about a subject?
Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums - Search Results
Hey but don't worry there will be at least 2 members that will post defending you and taking this thread off topic. LOL

 

Yes, I think I've got it now: Undercladding aids aerodynamics unless its on a Mazda.

HERE is a thread that posts a wind tunnel test on the influence of underbody cladding on aerodynamics of a vehicle:



Note that with the addition of every panel (except "panel 1" (which the Mazda doesn't have!!!)), the coefficient of drag goes ... down (for a reduction in drag of about 10%)

It's not clear, however, if the test was applied to a Mazda. Foiled again!!!

Here's me LOLing you.

 

Its a common program not done in an actual wind tunnel. That program used is the same one available for research R&D in a company in Oakland CA.
That test is a universal one and often that one or similar are posted on forums from members like yourself that really have no clue.
But please try to go learn about surface type effect on air stream.
Oh and YES Mazda does have a panel 5 but because the rear muffler is there it is a heat shield and not a sound deadening panel.
Oh and that area is the best place to mount an external fluid cooler on many platforms providing consideration for any exhaust components is done..


Anyway back on topic I hope LOL

 

Before this thread gets total hacked and off topic here is one example of the undercover. because you did not have all your specific Mazda information, I just pulled one info search. You need to go fill in the details of your specific CX-5

Mazda only calls this a cover.
2017 Mazda CX-5 Touring Cover(l), under. Attachments, floor - KB7W-56-1ZXA - Genuine Mazda Part (mazdausa.com)

 

I'm more curious as to what he impacted.
By using various scale measurements and a bit of scientific extrapolation it appears he hit something with a large head.
Large head meaning it was slightly disproportionate to the body.
My hypothesis was a breed of cat as they too frequently attempt fate buy trying to limbo under critter splatter screens of moving vehicles.
First instinct was a British short hair but then I realized Gibson was from Boston and British creatures haven't been in seen in large numbers in Boston since 1776.
Then I had an epiphany, it was March, it was Boston...a Leprechauns head matches up perfectly with that damage.
I would advise he paint his replacement shield red, they hate red, that's why they didn't show up in Boston until 1777.
Okay, give me a break, I just needed to type something after the 75 mph wind gusts, downed trees and icy roads.
The power has been on and off here all day during this Nor'easter and my new generator is setting on my back lawn but doesn't get installed until next Tuesday.

 

Yup it was supposed to be one inch of snow, but hey I'm not a meteorologist right ?