Something’s up with the heat shield in your car. You notice it rattling, or temperatures under the hood are hotter than usual, so you’re wondering if it’s safe to remove the shield.
You can remove the heat shield from your car, but it is not recommended. A heat shield provides thermal protection for your car’s engine, transmission, and other under-the-hood components. Removing the heat shield can shorten the life of your vehicle.
This article will cover what a car’s heat shield does, how to fix your heat shield, when to replace or remove it, and how to remove and replace it.
Contents
What Does a Car’s Heat Shield Do?
Cars run hot. Anyone who has popped the hood right after shutting off the engine can attest to that. A car’s heat shield is exactly what it sounds like — a piece of metal that protects your vehicle from overheating.
A car’s heat shield provides thermal protection under the hood. Overheating in your car can cause issues such as warped cylinders and misfiring, which can be expensive to fix. The heat shield allows the engine to run more efficiently and makes it safer to drive your vehicle.
Also, a heat shield keeps your engine from getting too hot and cools your car’s interior. Metal conducts heat, and a car’s exterior is entirely metal. Without a heat shield, the excess heat created under the hood can quickly transfer to the interior and make for an extremely uncomfortable driving experience.
Can I Drive Without the Heat Shield?
You can drive without a heat shield, as it does not directly affect your car’s ability to run. However, it is risky to remove the shield. Driving without a heat shield on your vehicle can cause your engine to break down or start a fire.
Therefore, if something is amiss with your heat shield, you should fix it instead of removing it.
When To Replace Your Heat Shield
Are you thinking about getting a new heat shield altogether? Below are the signs that you need to do just that.
It Rattles
Rattling under the hood is a big sign that something’s up with your heat shield. Rattling indicates that your shield is loose, cracked, or broken. When you hear rattling under the hood, pull over and allow your engine to cool off. Then, take the following steps:
- Pop the hood.
- Tap your car.
- Listen to find the source of the rattling heat shield.
Once you locate the sound, take note of it and (if you have enough to pay for a mechanic) drive your car to the nearest auto repair shop.
You may also like to read: How to Fix a Rattling Catalytic Converter
There Is a Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell coming from your car, there’s a problem with the cooling system, and your heat shield could be the culprit. When the heat shield fails, plastic pieces under your hood can melt or burn off. As soon as you notice the smell, pull over to the nearest safe place ASAP. Contact your local towing company to help you take your vehicle to a mechanic.
If you continue to drive without addressing that burning smell, you may risk your life and that of your passengers.
It Fell Off
Sometimes, your heat shield can fall off. When you drive around, your car gives off a natural vibration that can loosen your heat shield. To prevent this, take your car in for regular maintenance. A mechanic should be able to catch anything wrong with your heat shield before you lose it altogether.
How To Fix Your Heat Shield
If you’re wary about removing your car’s heat shield altogether (and you should be), you can try this at-home fix. But first, you should identify which heat shield is loose, broken, or missing. You’ll find heat shields around your exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, and transmission.
Once you identify the location of the loose heat shield, use clamps to keep them in place. To do this, apply the clamp to the loose component and tighten it until it sits put. If your heat shield attaches with bolts, replace the old ones with new bolts.
If attempting to fix your heat shield doesn’t work, it may be time to remove and replace it.
How To Remove Your Car’s Heat Shield
If your heat shield is damaged beyond repair, removing a broken or cracked heat shield is probably your best option. Please note that you should take your car to a mechanic if you don’t feel comfortable handling the shield yourself.
Otherwise, take the following steps to remove your car’s heat shield.
- Make sure your car is off and the engine is cool.
- Remove any parts obstructing the heat shield.
- If bolted in place, remove the bolts.
- If it clamps, remove the clamps.
- Remove the heat shield.
How To Replace Your Car’s Heat Shield
Once you remove the heat shield, you should replace it ASAP to keep your car in good shape and safe on the road.
To replace your car’s heat shield:
- Remove the old heat shield using the steps I outlined in the previous section
- Test to see if your heat shield fits.
- Install the heat shield in the same way the old one was installed. If it bolts, bolt it. If it clamps, clamp it.
- Put everything back together.
Again, if you don’t feel comfortable handling car parts, and you don’t mind paying extra for professional service, don’t hesitate to hire a mechanic. Fixing or replacing your heat shield may require welding — a procedure I don’t recommend doing at home.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Heat Shield on a Car?
It could cost anywhere between $20 and $300 to replace the heat shield on a car. You can do it for cheap as long as you buy the materials yourself and DIY the project. Otherwise, it costs upwards of $300 to get your vehicle fixed by a professional.
Conclusion
The heat shield on your car is a vital installation that makes your car run efficiently and lowers the potential for overheating. If your car’s heat shield is rattling, loose, or broken, fix it with clamps or bolts or replace it. Either way, maintaining the heat shield on your vehicle is a necessary aspect of taking care of your car.
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