The shield should be replaced. Usually, you can unpin one side under the oil pan and bend the shield out of the way to get at the drain bolt and drain the oil.

To avoid this hassle, I installed a Fumoto valve in place of the drain plug. With a 1" hole drilled in the shield several inches away from the installed Fumoto valve, I insert a hose up to the Fumoto valve and drain the oil directly into the drain pan. No mess, no fuss and no burns from hot oil.

I have them installed on the cars that I work on. Never had a problem with one.

Have a good day.

 

The shield should be replaced. Usually, you can unpin one side under the oil pan and bend the shield out of the way to get at the drain bolt and drain the oil.

To avoid this hassle, I installed a Fumoto valve in place of the drain plug. With a 1" hole drilled in the shield several inches away from the installed Fumoto valve, I insert a hose up to the Fumoto valve and drain the oil directly into the drain pan. No mess, no fuss and no burns from hot oil.

View attachment 60623
I have them installed on the cars that I work on. Never had a problem with one.

Have a good day.

I use those as well. Just wondering if the shield is really worth keeping on.

 

I had my first oil change done free by the dealer. When they changed the oil, they removed the rear attachments but left the front installed. The shield hung down from the front attachments while they drained the oil. The car was on a lift at the time and clearly you could not do this if the front end was lifted up with ramps; not nearly enough ground clearance.

 

I'd put it back. My 2nd gen came with no front splash guards because somebody left them off and the entire engine bay was disgusting with sand and gravel and rust from being exposed.

 

Simple statement: those panels are there for a reason.

 

Aside from cutting down on road debris, They also help with aerodynamics/fuel economy. Maybe not appreciable..