Do I really need skid plates?

Do I really need skid plates? I can't tell you how many tools I have dropped over the years, and they all fall on the skid plate. Today it was the windshield washer cap. Each time I have to crawl under there and take the plates down, sand and salt in my eyes, etc.
My truck is 10 years old, and in the 137k miles, I don't think the skid plate has ever skidded on dirt or rocks. No scratches that I can see, and I don't off road at all.. I am tempted to take them off and drive it naked like all my other vehicles.
Please someone tell me why my engine needs to be protected from road grime and salt any more than my other cars/trucks.
Thanks.

 

Better to have and not need...... The 1 time u decide not to keep it, u could simply have a ladder fall off a truck a few cars in front of u and have aluminum steps all over the road.... Its happend


Where's the oil filter on ur truck?


Either way, I'd say keep it.

Use a long extension, a grab it tool, or smack the skid a little to find/move whatever u dropped on it to a place u can grab it.

 

Perhaps not. But some of us absolutely do.

 

Oil filter is on driver's side, behind wheel. That is another issue. Skid plate is about 2 inches thick with oil and sand under that filter.

 

2" thick?!

 

So the ladder on the road, if I hit it, would be different in what way on the Tacoma than on my other vehicles?

 

If they're not getting used you don't need them. Pretty simple

 

Ok, an inch and a half.

 

I've owned Tacoma and tundras since 1998. Those skid plates are the first thing to go. If something happens to the truck while driving down paved roads, well, that's what insurance is for.

I do all my own maintenance. So being able see the while underside is more important to me.

 

The steps may bounce off the skid......instead of getting lodged in a belt?

Like I said I seen it happen.... One time, and hopefully never again.

I've also seen and fallen victim to some jackass leaving a large rock in the middle of a 2 lane road right after a corner.... Speed was about 40 for the corner, I couldn't swerve or safely slam the brakes in my car so I centered it and prayed..... Skid plate saved the oil pan.

This rock weighed bout 30lbs and was pretty damn big.... People are crap and will do stupid things.

Ur truck, ur money....... Take it off if u wish.

 

Wow..... That's like saying "I've never been in a house that caught fire, I don't need a smoke alarm" isn't it?

 

If you don't go off road then you really don't need the skids.

 

Thanks.

 

Yeah, I find that I am swearing at them a lot more than swearing by them.
Thanks for the input.

 

And if you do, the stock ones aren't going to save much if you land on a rock. They do help push ice away though!

 

Excellent point!
My front plate has rust holes in it. It seems to just be a PITA.

 

I only put them on if I hitting the dirt. I prefer changing my oil with them off too.