It might come as no surprise that automotive heat shields do precisely what their name implies—they protect your car and its surroundings from damage caused by excessive heat.

The internal combustion engine in your vehicle reaches extremely high temperatures during regular operation. Much of this heat travels through the exhaust system before escaping into the atmosphere. Car heat shields are in place to protect both your car’s components and its surroundings—like tall grass—from extreme heat.

But if the heat shield malfunctions or gets loose, you might encounter various problems, ranging from an annoying rattling sound to overheating components. Luckily, the

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, is here to break down automotive heat shields. We’ll cover everything you need to know about these essential car parts, so you can get to know your vehicle a little better.

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What are heat shields on a car?

Automotive heat shields are a type of thermal barrier designed to protect the car’s sensitive components—as well as any flammable items that may come into contact with the vehicle’s underside—from the extreme heat generated by the engine.

You will most commonly encounter heat shields protecting vital components around the engine bay and the exhaust system.

Exhaust heat shields surround parts like the muffler, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, and exhaust manifold. These components—especially the catalytic converter—get extremely hot while your engine is running. The heat shields prevent the exhaust components from heating your car’s floorboards to extreme levels, as well as keep them from burning flammable items beneath the vehicle, like tall grass or plants.

You’ll also find heat shields in the engine compartment. The shields here are typically in place to protect parts like turbochargers, header manifolds, and the radiator from the high heat levels generated in your engine.

There are two primary types of automotive heat shields: rigid and flexible. Rigid heat shield materials may consist of solid or stainless steel, but the preferred material is aluminum sheet metal. Flexible heat shields are often built of aluminum as well, but other materials, like fiberglass or carbon composites, are often used, especially in high-performance vehicles.

Key Takeaway Automotive heat shields protect essential car parts and anything that may come into contact with the vehicle’s underside from the extreme heat generated by the engine.

Why do cars need heat shields?

Internal combustion engines get extremely hot. And automotive exhaust systems regularly reach temperatures exceeding 900 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough to melt metals like aluminum, cadmium, and lead.

While your car’s cooling system is responsible for managing temperatures in the engine bay, much of the heat generated by your engine is expelled out the exhaust system along with the vehicle emissions. Without the system of heat shields in place, the hot gases traveling through the exhaust pipes would transfer a great deal of heat to your car’s floorboards and anything close to the bottom of the vehicle. This could not only result in melted shoes and burned feet, but it could set fire to your lawn or nearby plants.

Heat shields are also essential to prevent overheating. If the heat from your engine or exhaust system is allowed to reach sensitive components, like a turbo, it can do significant damage. And an overheating vehicle is not only dangerous, but it could also result in costly repairs down the road.

MORE:

Exhaust manifold gasket replacement cost

How long do heat shields last?

Automotive heat shields are designed to last for the life of the car.

However, they are subject to wear and tear and do occasionally malfunction. Exhaust heat shields are especially vulnerable, as they are located near the ground and can be damaged by vibration, rust, and road debris.

What are the signs of a failing heat shield?

While heat shields are designed to last for the entire life of the vehicle, they can and do malfunction occasionally. And as vital car parts, it’s important to learn the signs they display when failing. These are the most common symptoms of a faulty heat shield:

A burning smell. A burning smell from the engine bay or the bottom of the vehicle is a common sign of a malfunctioning heat shield. If the heat shield is faulty, it may not protect sensitive components from extreme temperatures. This can lead to the overheating and burning of plastics and other delicate car parts.

A rattling sound. Heat shields are especially vulnerable to the vibrations produced by driving. Occasionally, the clamps and bolts holding heat shields in place can bounce loose as you drive. This often results in a noticeable and annoying rattling sound as the loose heat shield flaps around.

Excessive engine bay heat. Unusually high levels of heat in the engine bay are never a good sign. And while this symptom could be indicative of other problems—like a faulty cooling system—it is often a sign of a heat shield malfunction.

If you notice any of these symptoms, the smartest thing to do is immediately take your car to a professional mechanic. Excessive heat is not something to take lightly, and your car could suffer serious damage if the issue is not addressed quickly.

MORE:

Exhaust manifold repair cost

How much does it cost to replace a heat shield on a car?

Heat shields are relatively inexpensive, and you can even get by with a cheaper material, like heat shield wrap. Generally, heat shields cost between $50 and $150 to replace, but that number could climb to upwards of $300 for high-performance parts. If your heat shield fails or is damaged and requires a replacement, you’ll have a few options from which you can choose.

The first option is to take your car to the dealership. There, you’ll get an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement part, and it will be installed by professionals trained to work on your car’s make and model. The downside is that this will generally be the most expensive option.

Alternatively, you can take your car to an independent shop. Independent shops are known for providing better customer service and cheaper labor rates than dealerships.

Finally, you can choose to troubleshoot the issue on your own. This may be the cheapest and easiest option, especially if you’re mechanically inclined.

Often, when heat shields become loose and start to rattle, the solution is as simple as tightening a connector.

Other times, you may be able to remove the heat shield entirely—but remember that this is a temporary fix at best, and, ideally, the heat shield should remain in place. You could also choose to remove a damaged heat shield and replace it with heat shield wrap—an inexpensive alternative to solid heat shields that functions somewhat like insulated tape. If you go this route, you’ll need to remove the old part and wrap the components—like the exhaust pipe—in the new material.

Even if you need to replace the heat shield, you’ll likely be able to save some money by doing the job yourself. Many heat shields are easily accessible and secured by a few bolts.

If you choose to make your heat shield replacement a DIY job, be sure to consult your owner’s manual and vehicle repair guide first to ensure you purchase the correct parts and have the proper tools.

MORE:

What is a straight pipe exhaust system?

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Does car insurance cover heat shield repair or replacement?

Heat shields are subject to wear and tear. As such, most car insurance plans will not cover a heat shield repair or replacement.

The exception to this rule comes in the event that your heat shields are damaged in a covered accident. Because of this, purchasing a quality insurance plan that includes

collision coverage

and

comprehensive insurance

is critical.

How to find affordable insurance

And speaking of

car insurance

, it’s important to remember that your policy—like your car—requires regular maintenance. You might be overpaying for poor-quality coverage, and shopping around regularly is essential to ensure you’re getting the best rate without sacrificing coverage.

Luckily, the car owner’s super app,

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FAQs

Is it OK to take the heat shield off my car?

You can take the heat shield off your car, but driving without it is not ideal. The heat shield is in place for a reason—to protect your car and its surroundings from excessive heat damage. While you may be able to safely drive your vehicle without the heat shield, doing so could also lead to overheating and even start a fire.

What happens if your heat shield falls off?

If your heat shield falls off, you should get it replaced as soon as possible. While you most likely won’t suffer any negative consequences from briefly driving without the heat shield, it could lead to overheating or even fire over time.

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