Hi guys,

There was a huge broom on the freeway that some people in front of me hit, and I was not able to avoid it either. I was just hoping that it did not scratch anything. 10 minutes later, when I was almost at home, I turned down my windows and heard a quiet scratching noise.
At home, I looked, and it looks like some cover, (I think it's the oil cover?) broke off, scraping on the ground. One screw or so still holds it though.
I attached a pic I found online. the plastic cover next to the passenger side tire broke off.




My question is: Is it safe to break it off?
Do I need to buy another one? How important is it?
Please let me know what I should do.

Thanks so much

 

1. It is just a "splash shield" While not necessary, I like having mine for added protection against percisely what happened to you. Think if this happened again w no protection?

2. I also own a 96 maxima and I havent had any splash shields under the car for 6+ years so, no not 100% necessary IMO. you CAN go without it, some just consider it "risky"

3. If you're really concerned about it, you could replace it with an aluminum under tray that would be virtually indestructable, look around on here for one.