I'm not sure if that's what its called, but its the plastic shield thats located underneath the vehicle between the two front tires. I was driving and hit a possum on steroids at 70 mph. I checked and saw the plastic shield cracked down the middle. I drove around with it like that the following day and eventually the wind would push the shield down towards the street causing it to scrape the street. Well, the wind pushed it down so much that it was broken so bad that I had to remove it completely.

My question is how necessary is it to have this guard/shield in place? Should i have it replaced or is it fine to drive around without it?

 

I think it's ok without that, and also you won't feel or hear anymore the dragging noise when it hit the street when you come out of the dip in the parking drive way.

 

don't think anyone replace there guard... just mend it a bit and you'll be fine. Tape, ziptie w/e. As long as it's not flapping around it still serves its purpose.