glennwing

Is it advisable to get rid of the plastic skid plate under the engine on my 08 Civic Hybrid? With the skid plate in place I am unable to change the oil and filter. To get the skid plate off requires the the car to be on a lift.

I am wondering what purpose the plastic skid plate serves and if others have gotten rid of it?

armieo

iTrader: (15)

Probably to keep dirt/water out of the engine bay. My gf has a hybrid. I see no harm in throwing it away.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

are you talking about the big plastic cover on the bottom? thats pretty important as it keeps dirt and liquids from splashing on mechanical, electrical (alternator), and other engine components that need to stay dirt and water free (timing pulley and belt). keep it on.

armieo

iTrader: (15)

It's a wonder the rest of us didn't get it.. (normal 2d and 4d coupes).

7th_gear

yeah really, I would like clean stuff too! yet another hybrid incentive!

thats two!

bricem

I thought the reason for the underbelly cover was to improve the aerodynamics of the hybrid. Am I just remembering wrong?

EDIT: Sorry, saw some more information elsewhere. Looks like the hybrid has it to protect electric motor and the wires carrying current from the batteries in the trunk to the electric motor. Since the non-hybrids don't have these items, no need for the extra protection.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

yeah the hybrid cant get wet lol. im surprised it fares as well as it does with all the crazy stuff going on. regular civics have just one cover below the engine to protect the timing pulley. its a piece of black plastic on the bottom.

7th_gear

I found it on my 03 a few days ago, it was bent backwards and scraping on the pavement