We will pick up our new 2022 Honda CR-V from the dealer this week. (16-year-old girl lost control of her vehicle which wrecked our 2012 Accord and used cars are SO expensive now.) QUESTION: The CR-Vs have a metal "lower engine cover" that is in the way for changing oil and transmission fluid. How important is the cover for normal, non-off-road driving? What are the negative consequences of driving without this cover??? Thanks!
Those annoying covers keep rain and road debris off the engine and all the delicate electronics. It also contributes to the aerodynamics of the vehicle. If the vehicle is brand new then there might be some warranty implications associated with leaving it off. You should not have to change the oil just yet and the ATF for a couple of years. I would leave it on for now. I like the fact it is metallic. I have a fiberglass cover on my 2019 unmentionable brand and with each oil change the 12 bolt holes get larger and larger.
That's a nice vehicle. Good luck with it.
You are indeed correct that my worrying about oil and transmission fluid changes is a little premature since the dealer has not even received the car yet, but I am just getting prepared. I am 63 years old and this is my first new car. If a new car can't get me excited, then what is the point???
Thanks for your helpful comment!
From what I know it's there to protect the engine components especially if going offroad that way the oil pan and vital components doesn't get damage if you hit a rock or soemthing plus on some vehicles it's there for aero dynamics but on a suv proably not so much but yeah thats what I know.
