[Phil27]

I have never had a car with a complete shield panel under the motor compartment before. Is there anything that I should be aware of with this new phenomenon?

 

[santa]

I have never had a car with a complete shield panel under the motor compartment before. Is there anything that I should be aware of with this new phenomenon?

Not that I'm aware.
I've had this on most of my cars since 2000.

 

[NotAPreppie]

Every car I've owned since my 1999 VW Passat has had one.

They are often present as much to help channel airflow through the radiator as anything else.

Just remember that it's plastic and probably won't survive if you go rock crawling. Other than that, there's really nothing to consider.

 

[mainemanx]

Every car I've owned since my 1999 VW Passat has had one.

They are often present as much to help channel airflow through the radiator as anything else.

Just remember that it's plastic and probably won't survive if you go rock crawling. Other than that, there's really nothing to consider.

I would think the underbody panels are more for overall (underall?) airflow ... laminar, less turbulent if you will.

My only caution is when changing oil/replacing the oil filter ... my dealer likes to leave a little residual inside the panels. Consequently, with so little faith in my dealer, I've fitted a Fumoto valve, and now change it myself.

P.S. Speaking of faith, in response to one of my less favorite comedians, religion is ascription, science is ascription with different words ... I don't see a big difference. Both are trying to explain, to establish cause and effect ;-)

 

[NotAPreppie]

It depends on whether the design has a gap between the tray and radiator. It's mostly to keep air moving through rather than around the radiator on the RX-8 (otherwise you overheat on the highway). Pretty sure it's the same with the Miata.

 

[Phil27]

I would think the underbody panels are more for overall (underall?) airflow ... laminar, less turbulent if you will.

Cool. Well this is all good to know. I will now have to examine all of this more closely, with a wind tunnel thought experiment in mind