Buy Mitsubishi Lancer Engine Splash Shield

Mitsubishi Lancer engine splash shield (also called belly pan, lower-engine cover, under-engine guard, or splash guard).

A molded panel that bolts beneath the motor keeps water, stones, and salt away from the oil pan and belts, guides cooling air, reduces drag, softens road noise, and even slows rust on the front crossmember. Laboratory studies show that smoothing the under-body can cut aerodynamic drag by 4-17 %, helping fuel economy. The Lancer shield fits most 2008-2017 sedans and Sportbacks; key part numbers are 5379A537 (front) and 5370B830/-846 (right/left side). Online catalogs list prices around $30-$80, and DIY replacement takes six 10 mm bolts or push-pins. Keeping the shield mounted reduces the salt spray linked to a federal crossmember corrosion recall. (ASFIR 4x4, Wrench, ResearchGate, SAE Mobilus, GoParts, Mitsubishi Parts Warehouse, Parts Geek, NHTSA Static)

What It Does

The shield forms a protective "second skin" under the engine bay, blocking mud, gravel, and road splash that can pit the oil pan or fray the drive belt. (ASFIR 4x4, Wrench)
By sealing openings, it also channels cooling air through the radiator and intercooler, keeps the bay cleaner, and lowers cabin noise. (EvolutionM, Knauf Industries Automotive)
Track drivers sometimes remove the guard for faster service access, but they lose the airflow directors Mitsubishi molded into the panel. (EvolutionM)

Fit & Numbers

Mitsubishi catalogs show the same front shield (5379A537) on 2008-2017 Lancer ES, DE, SE, GT, and most non-Ralliart trims, with side shields 5370B830 (right) and 5370B846 (left). (Mitsubishi Parts Warehouse, parts.mitsubishicars.com, Parts Geek)
A second under-cover (5370A311) appears on early 2.0 L cars, while Sportback variants add small extensions. (Mitsubishi Parts Warehouse)
Always match the eight-digit part number to the VIN to avoid gaps around the sub-frame. (parts.mitsubishicars.com)

Materials

Production shields are usually injection-molded polypropylene or HDPE reinforced with ribs. The plastic is light, resists rock impact, dampens sound, and insulates against cold roads. (Knauf Industries Automotive)
Aftermarket suppliers sometimes offer aluminum skid plates for off-road use; these weigh more but shrug off deep-ruts damage. (Wrench)

Performance Gains

Wind-tunnel and CFD studies on compact cars reveal that a flush under-tray can drop the drag coefficient by 4 - 17 %, depending on ground clearance and gap size. (ResearchGate, SAE Mobilus)
Go-Parts testing notes that the missing guard raises turbulence ahead of the fuel tank and can trim highway mileage by 2-3 mpg. (GoParts)
Forum users also report lower intake temps on turbo Lancers once a new belly pan restores factory ducting. (EvolutionM)

Installation Steps

1. Lift & secure - use ramps or jack stands; never rely on a scissor jack.
2. Remove fasteners - six 10 mm bolts and plastic clips; torque is only hand-tight (~6 Nm). (EvolutionM, YouTube)
3. Inspect - look for ripped edges or missing J-nuts.
4. Fit new shield - slide the rear edge above the sub-frame lip, start center bolts, then outer clips.
5. Final torque - snug evenly to avoid drumming at speed.

Maintenance

Check the panel every oil change for cracked tabs or scraped holes. Cheap universal push-pins can replace broken clips. (Wrench)
If the guard drags on the highway, trim torn plastic and re-secure immediately; air can rip it free and damage the bumper. (EvolutionM)

Safety & Legal

Mitsubishi's 2020 U.S. recall cites salt-water corrosion on the Lancer front crossmember; keeping the splash shield intact reduces brine spray in this zone. (NHTSA Static)
Driving without the cover can also expose wiring and drive belts to ice chunks, leading to sudden alternator failures. (Wrench, CarComplaints.com)

Environment

Polypropylene shields are fully recyclable; many scrap yards accept them with bumper plastics. Lightweight covers also cut fuel use and CO ₂ over the car's life. (Knauf Industries Automotive, ResearchGate)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drive my Lancer without the splash guard?
A: You can, but dirt, water, and salt will reach belts and sensors more easily, and aero drag will rise. (Wrench, EvolutionM)

Q: Does the shield fit Evo or Ralliart models?
A: Turbo trims use a different aluminum skid plate; check the part number stamped near the tow hook. (parts.mitsubishicars.com)

Q: What tools do I need to swap it?
A: A flat trim-tool, 10 mm socket, and small ratchet handle the job on most years. (EvolutionM, YouTube)

Q: How tight do the bolts go?
A: About 5-6 Nm-just snug; overtightening cracks the plastic tabs. (EvolutionM)

Q: Will a missing shield hurt gas mileage?
A: Yes-real-world testing shows 2-3 mpg loss on the highway due to extra drag. (GoParts)

Q: Why does my replacement come with foam strips?
A: Foam seals reduce wind flutter and block dust; stick them on the rear edge before install. (Knauf Industries Automotive)

Q: Do I need to remove the guard for every oil change?
A: Only if the panel lacks a service door. Many Lancer aftermarket shields have a pre-cut oil-filter flap. (Wrench)

Q: Can the panel catch oil leaks?
A: Yes, it can hide drips; wipe it clean after any engine repair to spot future leaks sooner. (YouTube)

Q: Is aluminum better than plastic?
A: Aluminum protects against big rocks but adds weight and may echo road noise; plastic is lighter and quieter. (Wrench, Knauf Industries Automotive)

Q: How long should a new guard last?
A: Quality polypropylene shields often last 5-8 years, provided clips stay tight and you avoid curb impacts.

Q: Are all clips the same?
A: No-front bolts screw into J-nuts; side tabs use push-pins. Always match the clip style to the hole size. (Mitsubishi Parts Warehouse)

Q: Could the shield help pass inspection?
A: In some states, inspectors fail cars with hanging panels for safety reasons, so a secure guard avoids hassles. (NHTSA Static)

engine splash shield, belly pan, under-engine cover, and Lancer splash guard.