I was wondering if all the plastic covers/shrouds in the engine compartment actually serve a mechanical purpose, or if they're for aesthetic purposes only. Truth is, if they don't really need to be there, I'd just as soon take them out...being an old-school kinda guy I'd rather see what's underneath and I love a clean engine compartment. Also I tend never to pull them out and clean the underpinnings because the covers are clean, so the entire compartment 'appears' clean when you pop the hood. Without the covers in place I'm much more likely to keep everything below clean and free of grease buildup. I was pretty surprised when I pulled one off last week at just how much crud built up down there and how quickly. I only have 6K Miles on my car and it looked kinda nasty to me. Now I feel like I have to pop them all and clean everything.

I tried researching this in the owner's manual and they don't say one way or the other. Anyone KNOW? I'd love a good explanation.

 

good question....
I thought they were on there to prevent dirt from getting under them....but if you say that there is crud and dirt build up underneath them....I would just assume they are there for aesthetic purposes only

 

I think the idea is that they help keep down engine noise (and, of course, aesthetics)

 

I think it's basically all for aesthetics. Alot of people roll with them off, dont think it should make a difference on anything.

 

the dirt comes from below....road crud etc.

 

For looks mostly I would say. Lots of higher end cars have them.

 

I took mine off a long time ago. To prevent noise or keep the engine clean; I don't think it matters. I can't tell a difference. Personnally, the engine bay looks better without it. Plus it's easier to keep clean, because you can do a quick wipe down without having to remove all the covers.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies, I figured it was just for the 'streamlined' look. Glad to hear they can be removed and there's no ill effect. I agree with t0talacuratl, I think it looks better with everything exposed, and it will be a lot easier to keep clean. At least I'll know when it needs a quick wipe without having to remove a cover to check. Except for the Engine Cover, I'm going to pull them all off, clean 'em up real nice and store them in a sealed bag for the next owner. They'll look brand new when I trade the car!

 

FYI. those panels trap heat in. car will "breathe" better without them on....