Splash shield and bumper

KAYELEN

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA CELICA
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I have the car listed above which has been well-maintained and serviced and has approximately 120,000 miles on it. I plan to keep it as long as I can because I'm retired and won't be able to afford another car. Recently the splash shield broke off and was dragging on the ground. When I took it to the mechanic he saw the front lower bumper was gone. He was able to re-attach the splash shield but said there's not much of the bumper left to attach it to. I've been told the splash shield and/or bumper is not necessary since I only drive on city streets and freeways, and it doesn't rain that much in San Diego. It's a very expensive fix for an older car, estimated $2,000.00. Is the splash shield and bumper really that necessary?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The lower part of the bumper and the splash shield is really there to protect components like the radiator and under side of the engine.
Without the lower bumper it is more likely to get rock or other debris damaging the radiator also without the splash shield you can get water or debris on to the drive belt.
You can drive without the splash shield and/or the lower bumper, but just keep in mind that this will have limited protection.

Keep in mind that many of these components are available from aftermarket vendors for better pricing.

Hope this answers your question.

Please let me know of any concerns.

Thank you.

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