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Panels under Prius 2

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by twofeetdown, May 16, 2012.

  1. twofeetdown

    twofeetdown Junior Member

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    Decorah, IA
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    2006 Prius
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    We have an '04 Prius and an '06 Prius. The plastic panels (6" x 4') under both cars got so full of lime (from gravel roads) that they were sagging. I removed them and cleaned them but they are deformed so I do not plan to reinstall them. The only rusty area under the cars is where they were kept moist by the lime.
    Do these panels serve any purpose other than possibly improving aerodynamics? (and, of course, collecting dirt)
    If they actually protect something I will consider replacing them. Otherwise they will stay off.
     
    #1 twofeetdown, May 16, 2012
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    So far as I know, they are just for aerodynamics.
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, May 16, 2012
  3. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    It definitely improves aerodynamics. If you ever get a chance to look at a race car, look underneath... it's buttoned up tighter than a nun's blouse.

    You can do this two ways... leave the panels off and see what gets damaged, or replace the panels and have the piece of mind.

    While most electrics are well sealed, I'm not going to gamble on that. Electrical problems are the toughest ones to diagnose...
     
    #3 maestro8, May 17, 2012
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