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Home Blog Toyota Splash Shield Buyer's Guide

Toyota Splash Shield Buyer's Guide

A splash shield isn't something you think about unless you're underneath your vehicle or hit an obstacle in the road. Yet these parts, also called splash guards or scrape guards, play an important role in protecting your Toyota, keeping it free of damage.

It's important to replace splash shields if they get damaged or torn off your vehicle. That's where this buyer's guide comes in. In it, we'll cover:

  • What exactly is a splash shield and what job does it do?
  • How to spot a bad splash shield
  • Why OEM splash shields are better than aftermarket parts
  • How to replace a splash shield (an easy DIY job)

What Is Splash Shield, And Why Is It Important?

OEM Toyota splash shield

Splash shields are metal or heavy plastic components designed to protect the underside of your vehicle (you can find more details here). They keep rocks, tree branches, water, or other debris and contaminants from damaging the drivetrain and suspension, as well as body parts, from damage or corrosion.

The most common types of splash shields include:

  • Engine cover splash shields
  • Fender splash shields
  • Floor pan splash shields
  • Radiator support splash shields

Signs Of A Bad Splash Shield

Whether caused by a nasty impact from an obstacle or repeated wear, a splash shield should be replaced if it has one or more of the following issues:

  • Bent or broken sections
  • Dented, torn, or badly worn pieces
  • Holes or missing parts of the splash shield
  • Missing bolts or fasteners

If your splash shield is clearly damaged or barely attached to your vehicle, it should be replaced. Left alone, it may rip off and damage other components on your vehicle or become an obstacle for other drivers. You can find more tips on spotting a bad shpash shield in this article.

The Difference Between OEM And Aftermarket Splash Shields

Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts can be a tough dilemma when it comes to maintaining your Toyota. However, there are some definite advantages to sticking with OEM when it comes to splash shields, including:

  • OEM splash shields are engineered to fit your Toyota vehicle
  • OEM splash shields are of higher quality than aftermarket splash shields
  • They come with an OEM Toyota manufacturer's warranty

For all these reasons, an OEM splash shield will save you money in the long run. Even though you could save a few dollars upfront, you could save hundreds of dollars over the life of your Toyota by sticking with OEM parts.

How To Replace A Toyota Splash Shield

Depending on your model and the type of splash shield, you may need to lift your vehicle. Be sure you do the work on a flat surface and have jacks securely in place. To start with, you'll need a splash shield like one of the following for these popular Toyota models:

It's always helpful to take photos before starting any work to ensure you install the new splash shield correctly. Additionally, be certain to keep track of all fasteners when removing the old shield. You can find a complete tutorial on the job here.

Genuine OEM Splash Shields From Olathe Toyota Parts Center

OEM Toyota splash shield

If you need a splash shield for your Toyota car, truck, or SUV, your best source is the Olathe Toyota Parts Center. We carry OEM parts at wholesale prices and are backed by the standard Toyota 12-month, unlimited-mile warranty.

We also have a number of free resources that can help you diagnose common Toyota trouble codes and a Toyota VIN decoder to provide info about your vehicle. Got questions? You can contact us here, and our friendly staff will be glad to help.