Best quality splash guards / wheel well liners?

Who offers the better quality splash guards & wheel well liners? And is anything made that will keep the cats from being able to access the engine? I'm always hearing that you are not supposed to wash your engine. But all the cat paw prints etc. keep my engine looking like a mud super highway.

Many thank all, REP

 

I went with these - https://geartechcustoms.com/shop/ols/products/2nd-gen-engine-splash-guards

The fitment is better than OEM and has better coverage of the openings.. The upgrade option for new clips is worth it. Will it keep cats out? Well, how big and strong are the cats?

 

Ought to be alright unless they know how to use tools.

 

Whoever told you this has no idea what they're talking about. Engines 100% SHOULD be cleaned. IMO not washing your engine bay regularly is negligent ownership. It's just like anything else you own, there's some level of maintenance, upkeep, cleaning which should be done regularly to keep your things in good condition.

 

I got ARK splash guards, which seem to fit the bill.

https://www.tacomalifestyle.com/products/ark-tacoma-splash-guards?variant=40327366901938

Not sure if they'll keep critters out of your engine bay. I took some pictures of mine post-install, which may give you an idea of whether they'll work.

 

Yeah, I've actually cleaned my engines most of my life. But after hearing NOT TO so many times. I stopped, as I wondered if I was missing something. Like what to not get wet. What to avoid or what to mask etc. Is there any concern here? One would think that this could be a case-by-case consideration. I always cover my alternator with a plastic bag etc. as I had one go out shortly after an engine wash as a young man. Coincidence??? Maybe, but I would still like to see a professionally put together, what to and not to do guide on the matter. I mean something that would cover where common sense leaves off.

Thanks for the reply, REP

 

I too got ARK liners last year. Was not very impressed with the fit. I had to re-drill or enlarge a handful of the mounting holes on each side. But I was impressed with the material. No issues running them since early last summer

 

I'm a real cheap bastard and a big fan of these:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...bay-splash-guard-rock-guards-template.621635/

I used this material:

$34 VersaTex Multi-Purpose Recycled Rubber Floor Mat for Indoor or Outdoor Use, Utility Mat for Entryway, Tool Bench, Garage, Under-Sink, Patio, and Door Mat; 36" x 60", Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D1FXSW4?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

I am running Ark liners as well. Fitment on mine required a couple holes per side to be moved, but the material is very nice. I had geartech guards before this and they started to tear around the push pins after a few years. I ended up upgrading bc I needed some for a 1” body lift

 

It's definitely case by case but that is primarily correlated with age. A brand new, off the lot, 2023 Tacoma I would treat differently than a car from the 1960's, or even the 80's. Modern cars are extremely resistant to any issues from water and, in general, old cars aren't that bad either. We've all see those videos of old Toyota's crossing rivers. And we see people still doing that today. Do we not think plenty of water gets up in the engine bay when you do that? My family has washed our engine bays for decades and never had a single issue. I do a DEEP engine bay cleaning on all our cars at least once a year and then quick washes a couple other times a year.

In general, electrical connectors are pretty well sealed so not usually a problem. Alternators aren't scared of water, the failure you experienced is coincidental. Ignition components (distributor, plug wires, points...) and air intake systems are generally where you could run into problems. But, that is more of an issue on old cars, especially carbureted ones. Modern cars feature more fully sealed and weatherized systems and aren't really a concern. Same with fuse boxes, they could be a concern but generally aren't unless there's damage to the lid/seal.

For a modern car (probably anything newer than say 2000) you can pretty much just do as you want. I don't cover anything for any of our cars. I liberally spray with soap and water directly from the hose or even my pressure washer - but note that I use a lower pressure unit for washing cars and I use it from a distance, not close up. I do not recommend you actually "pressure wash" your engine bay as that could definitely have the pressure needed to subvert various seals and components designed to keep water out.

For older cars, just be careful. Use less water pressure. You may want to cover your air cleaner, cover your distributor, or cover your fuse box. Depends on the car and it's condition. But, in general, you're not going to do any real damage and typically if you run into an issue it'll just need to sit and dry out and then everything will be fine again.

My dad always used to spray the engine down with WD40 after he washed it and it would give a nice shine to all the parts. I stopped doing that at some point as it seemed "old school" and a bit odd. But, since then I've realized this probably came from the fact that WD40 was designed to displace water. So, this practice is actually, probably a good one to help get water out of nooks and crannies. I also recently found out that WD40 can work WONDERS for the light, baked on crud that forms on painted surfaces in an engine bay over time (not talking about thick grease or dirt).

Pic from the last deep cleaning of my wife’s CRV. I used the foam cannon on my pressure washer to liberally apply soap. Nothing covered up at all.

 

WD40 is a solvent that cuts grease. Which is why mechanics use it to clean tools

 

I am happy to report that my engine and its bay are now shiny and clean! Thank you guys for your informational support. Sorry no pic's today.

 

I’ve wiped my engine down, but that’s all. It’s not like my 1970s cars, too many electrical components and connectors for me to take a chance on spraying.

 

Does anyone know where I can find replacement clips for the splash guards and not have to pay a ton for shipping (ie: Amazon link?)
Ark wants $8 to ship a $7 bag of clips