Buy Honda Civic Engine Splash Shield

Background Info

The Honda Civic engine splash shield-also called an engine under-cover, belly pan, skid plate, or splash guard-is a thin panel that bolts under the front of the car. It blocks mud, water, salt, and flying gravel, smooths airflow for better fuel economy, and lowers engine noise. Most late-model Civics use a molded-plastic plate (part numbers such as 74110-TBA-A00 for 2016-21 or 74111-T20-A00 for 2022-24) held on by simple screws or push-clips. Damaged or missing shields can trap debris, raise drag, and let water reach pulleys and wiring. Replacing the panel is an easy DIY job that costs far less than the repairs it can prevent.

Quick Facts

• Location: bolts to the sub-frame just behind the front bumper. (Ho Civic)
• Main jobs: guards the oil pan and belts, guides cooling airflow, and cuts under-body drag. (Knauf Industries Automotive, ASFIR 4x4)
• Typical materials: ABS or polypropylene plastic on most Civics; some aftermarket choices use stamped aluminum for extra strength. (, Knauf Industries Automotive)
• Part numbers vary by year-example 74110-TBA-A00 (2016-21) and 74111-T20-A00 (2022-24). (CivicX.com)

Functions & Benefits

A sturdy shield blocks rocks that can crack the alloy oil pan or dent the exhaust flex-pipe. (mechanicfortmcmurray.com, ASFIR 4x4)
It also keeps rain splash off accessory belts and alternator wiring, reducing early corrosion. (Reddit, Reddit)
Wind-tunnel studies show that smoothing the Civic's floor with covers like this can cut aerodynamic drag by 2-4 %, a small but real boost in highway mpg. (SAE Mobilus)
Because the shield seals gaps under the firewall, many drivers note less engine noise in the cabin. (Knauf Industries Automotive)

Fit & Years

• 2006-2011 (8th gen) Civics use a two-piece plastic guard.
• 2012-2015 (9th gen) plates interchange among HF, LX, EX, and Si trims. (Charm)
• 2016-2021 (10th gen) use 74110-TBA-A00 with 13 push-clips. (CivicX.com)
• 2022-present (11th gen) switch to 74111-T20-A00; hybrid trims add a small rear extension. (AH Parts)

Materials

Molded polypropylene keeps weight low yet flexes instead of cracking. (Knauf Industries Automotive)
Aftermarket aluminum skid plates resist impacts on unpaved roads and shed heat faster, though they add weight. (ASFIR 4x4)
Foamed-plastic (EPP) versions further dampen road noise. (Knauf Industries Automotive)

Why Replace

A torn shield can scrape the pavement, divert cooling air, and let salt spray corrode pulleys. (mechanicfortmcmurray.com, Reddit)
If hardware is missing, the panel may drop and drag, leading to an expensive tow. (Reddit)
Because repair cost for an oil-pan crack often exceeds $500, a $40-$100 shield is cheap insurance.

Install Tips

1. Lift the front of the car on jack stands and remove thirteen 10-mm bolts or push-clips. (Ho Civic)
2. Drop the old plate; watch for hidden fasteners near the wheel-liners.
3. Slide the new belly pan into place starting at the bumper edge.
4. Hand-thread bolts to avoid cross-threading, then tighten snugly-about 7 N·m.
5. Test-drive and re-check hardware after 50 miles.

Honda's service manual shows the entire process step-by-step with clear diagrams.

Driving Hazards

• Deep snow can rip the plastic guard off; ski-area drivers may prefer aluminum. (ASFIR 4x4)
• High-speed puddles send water up into the timing-belt area if the shield is absent. (mechanicfortmcmurray.com)
• Rough gravel roads fling stones that pit the oil pan in seconds without a barrier. (ASFIR 4x4)

Cost Range

Forum users report dealer quotes over $1,000 that include labor and hardware, but DIY parts average $40-$120 plus about 30 minutes of work. (Reddit)
Fasteners cost roughly $0.50-$3 each depending on style. (Honda Parts Connection)

Maintenance

Inspect the guard at each oil change for cracks or missing clips.
If you hear scraping sounds on turns or speed bumps, check that the plate is not hanging loose. (Reddit)
Replace any broken push-pins promptly; loose shields can act like a scoop and pull in water.

Environmental Impact

A complete under-tray reduces drag, saving fuel and cutting CO₂ over the vehicle's life. (SAE Mobilus, Knauf Industries Automotive)
Keeping oil leaks inside the engine bay also prevents road-film contamination of storm drains. (mechanicfortmcmurray.com)

Related Keywords

engine under-cover, lower engine cover, skid plate, under-engine guard, belly pan, splash guard, motor shield, under-tray, front floor pan, under-car plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know my Civic's splash shield is damaged?
A: Look for hanging plastic, scrape noises, or see warning flaps while driving; a quick flashlight check under the bumper confirms tears.

Q: Is it safe to drive without the shield?
A: It won't strand you immediately, but water and debris can hit belts and sensors, and fuel mileage may drop from extra drag, so replace it soon. (Reddit, Reddit)

Q: Does the panel really improve gas mileage?
A: Yes-wind-tunnel tests on compact cars show 2-4 % less drag with smooth under-body panels, which equates to roughly 1 mpg on highway trips. (SAE Mobilus)

Q: Plastic vs. aluminum-what's better?
A: Plastic is lighter and cheaper, fine for paved roads; aluminum resists rock hits and heat, ideal for gravel or snow regions. (ASFIR 4x4, Knauf Industries Automotive)

Q: What tools do I need for a DIY swap?
A: A 10 mm socket, flat-blade screwdriver for clips, and safety stands; the job is under 30 minutes. (Ho Civic)

Q: Can I reuse the original push-clips?
A: Often yes, but brittle clips can crack; have a pack of Honda-spec 90674-TY2-A01 fasteners ready. (Honda Parts Connection)

Q: Will an aftermarket belly pan void my warranty?
A: No, U.S. federal law requires the maker to prove the part caused the failure; a correctly fitted guard won't affect coverage.

Q: How often should I check it?
A: Inspect at every oil change or after scraping a curb or snowbank. (Reddit)

Q: Does the shield help with noise?
A: Yes, it blocks tire splash and engine mechanical sound, making the cabin quieter. (Knauf Industries Automotive)

Q: Where can I see the official removal guide?
A: Honda's service-manual pages show the exact bolt pattern and torque specs (example guide).

Further reading:

• Knauf Automotive article on aerodynamics
• SAE wind-tunnel study summary
• ASFIR overview of shield benefits

These resources provide deeper technical details without steering you toward any specific retailer.