Driving without splash shield (2004 V70)

Post by **cn90** » 13 Apr 2019, 06:57

I am currently watching for any oil leak (no big leak yet!).

So, I removed the splash shield and drive without it.
My 1998 S70 GLT has only air dam in the front but no splash shield under the engine.

So, for the 2004 V70, is there any negative consequence driving without splash shield?

Post by **chrism** » 13 Apr 2019, 07:08

We’ve driven both our 05 S80 and 03 V70 for YEARS without splash shields and have not suffered for it. At first it bothered me but that feeling subsided over time.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 13 Apr 2019, 07:17

cn90 wrote: 13 Apr 2019, 06:57 So, for the 2004 V70, is there any negative consequence driving without splash shield?

Lower fuel economy and higher risk of punctured radiator. The shield protects the radiator from flying debris and helps prevent air turbulence under the car. Air turbulence will increase the coefficient of drag, which in turn decreases the fuel economy.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 13 Apr 2019, 07:38

RickHaleParker wrote: 13 Apr 2019, 07:17
cn90 wrote: 13 Apr 2019, 06:57 So, for the 2004 V70, is there any negative consequence driving without splash shield?
Lower fuel economy and higher risk of punctured radiator. The shield protects the radiator from flying debris and helps prevent air turbulence under the car. Air turbulence will increase the coefficient of drag, which in turn decreases the fuel economy.

The part underneath the engine won't do much for the radiator. That's the front part. But I agree about fuel and it does in a general sense protect the entire engine compartment somewhat.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 13 Apr 2019, 07:49

Rattnalle wrote: 13 Apr 2019, 07:38 The part underneath the engine won't do much for the radiator.

Toss a ball see what it does when it hit the ground. How get behind somebody who's rear tires are flinging stones. It may never happen but it can happen and it has happened.

Post by **chrism** » 13 Apr 2019, 07:51

I would agree that the shield may offer some degree of protection. But after making many, many 850 mile trips across I20 at 80 mph that any fuel consumption penalty is negligible at best.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 13 Apr 2019, 08:05

It is significant enough that Volvo paid the cost of a shield. They got it past the Bean counters.

Post by **abscate** » 13 Apr 2019, 10:24

There are two things underneath, right?

Air dam, very front of car

Shield mostly under engine

I think my shield is the only URO part on any of my cars

Post by **oragex** » 13 Apr 2019, 21:26

Low risk of debris hitting under the engine, higher risk with power steering lines rusting and leaking (salt belt), common ice forming on the crank pulley in harsh winter areas (It may get 'frozen' and make a knock at start up in cold mornings). In theory it shouldn't be an issue driving without it