Rep Power: 0

So I was driving down the freeway last week and a freaking metal "ball" rolled across the lanes and I couldn't avoid driving over it. As I went over it it definitely made contact with the under body. Later, I discovered that the rubbery plastic barrier under the front bumper almost completely fell off, so I removed it (see pic below).

Question is, do I need to worry about crap hitting the under body while driving? My car is 13 years old and so I'm not inclined to spend much money on it, and not sure how much repairing/replacing it would cost.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SwNyXlQUn4CxEwdkDPA85gBJyAxy1CGmH6U_nVQQjdQ?feat=e mbedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gUXUhAWMxck/Vl0MBn76UVI/AAAAAAACsUE/LDzQIUYxbQ0/s800-Ic42/IMG_2658.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104666588397510338705/DropBox?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></table>

 
Rep Power: 518

Of course. If you hit something big enough to damage the oil pan or transmission, you're gonna be in for some large expense.


If you meant "do I need to worry about the rubber strip?" I'd vote no. I see many of the cars missing that one, no obvious issues.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks! I was referring to the rubber strip, although I wonder if I should get it checked out "just in case." Nothing wrong so far, no fluids leaking or "weird" (that sounds so ignorant I know) sounds, or any issues while driving it, so not sure if I need to shell out a a couple hundred dollars just to have the dealer eyeball it.

 
Rep Power: 127

If you want it inspected, I would take it to any tire/suspension/muffler shop. Tell them what you hit and ask for an inspection, AND to show you any damage. A dealer is often prevented from having customers in the bays by their insurance rules. A muffler shop, not so much. An inspection is often only $10~15 including rotating tires.

 
Rep Power: 518

Lean your head under the front bumper and take a look?

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks, I think I'll try that!


I wouldn't know what I'm looking at though. I will probably take a look though as I have a pair of sloped/raised wheel ramps and it looks like the bumper cover on one side got jarred slightly. I never reattached all the plastic clips when I last removed the bumper cover (to install headlights), only put the screws back in, so I should probably put those clips back in finally too.