What is that black plastic strip near the front of the car, right under the front end of the engine, does it serve any purpose? Looks kinda weird to me, didn't know if it's to protect you from scraping the underside of your car or something

 

Air deflector...

Also, the early warning system, when you scratch/hear it, you'll have to be careful next time...

 

 

That is the only way air gets into the fron of the engine. Previously discussed on VTEC the TL is a bottom breather so all the air comes from underneath and the "deflector" is crucial to proper engine cooling and cold air intake.

 

We have a winner!

 

So it's not a mini snow-plow plate? Good to know.

 

When I first got my TL, pulling out of my driveway (I guess too fast) and the nose dipped and I hear SCRAAAAAAAPE!!!! You would have thought the car was on fire, my wife watches as I practically jump out the window thinking I left half of my bumper out there - but it was just the air dam touched, my heart was pounding and I had that sickening feeling in my stomach - so yes...def. a nice warning of "hey idiot - I'm low to the ground - take it easy!"

 

What is that black Strip? Go Here and watch the video...TOV
Articles >> A comprehensive look underneath

 

wow good info, thanks!

 

What is that black plastic strip, you ask? I have the answer--it is something that is getting smaller everytime I back out of my driveway. Our house is on the high side of the street, and the prior owners (or their concrete contractors) must have been on crack when they designed the lip of the driveway--I scrape every single time. Fortunately, my driveway has been crumbling for the past few years and my brother is a concrete contractor, so I am going to fix the problem the right way, this summer, and just get a new driveway. But it's pretty funny that a $32k car is going to cost me a $25k driveway. Probably the most expensive "accessory" that anybody has purchased for their TL.