Air deflector question

[TDot]

The thin strip of plastic that goes across the Undertray at the front of the car (Air deflector)? The last mechanic I went to removed it. I want to know if there is any real purpose for it before I go make a stink about it. It seems unimportant, but I see it on every car and infiniti is charging $342 for it, part 96010EJ70A. It doesn't seem like it should cost more than $20. Does it really make a difference?

[pedsemdoc]

It seems unimportant, but I see it on every car and infiniti is charging $342 for it, part 96010EJ70A.

I'll sell you mine for a deal, only $200....lol. I agree, seems to be too thin and small to perform any useful function (that's what she said), especially now that I've got TollBoothWilley's aluminum undershroud in place.

I'm curious too. Seems like you could fabricate something a little more useful with some thin sheet metal or aluminum.

[TDot]

I just found this article.

What is a Front Air Deflector and where is it Located?
A front air deflector, also commonly referred to as an air dam or lower valance, is a plastic or metal panel located at the front of your vehicle, under the bumper. In many cases, the part is just a cosmetic piece of the vehicle, with no function other than appearance and to conceal what is behind it; some also come with provisions for things like fog lights. However, this is not always the case; there are some applications where the deflector helps to control the flow of air around your vehicle, channeling air around the bottom of the engine compartment. This makes the front of the car more aerodynamic, and adds downward force that keeps your tires firmly attached to the ground at highway speeds, equaling more grip and better control/stability for your car or truck. The air dam also channels air into the engine compartment to aid in the radiator’s cooling process.

The term “air deflector” is also commonly applied to other types of deflectors as well, such as those found on side and rear windows, sunroofs, and even trunk lids, which function a bit differently than an air dam. Some vehicles also come with an air deflector mounted on the hood. This piece, which is made of plastic, is sometimes called a wind deflector or a bug deflector because it controls airflow to keep bugs, rocks, and other pieces of road debris from hitting the hood and windshield. Wind deflector is also a general term commonly applied to these other types of deflectors as well.

I just wonder if its cause tic or otherwise for our car. It seems way too thin to be of any significance for our cars.

[svard75]

It's called the front spoiler. A spoiler is designed to help keep the front wheels planted at higher speeds. Given we have an under engine shroud I would imagine a front spoiler helps to cancel out the wind pushing the front up. I would go after him to get it back on.

[Six_Legs]

$342...
I removed mine and wont put it back on. Previous owner had it all wonky and beat up, looked like crap.

I cant see how that piece would effect performance in any way, good or bad. I've had it off for about 2 months and there's no difference that i can tell.

If you have the front bumper lip then this piece has to be absolutely useless.

[svard75]

I was just reiterating what all data called the part. It makes sense that it would help with down force in some situations, but perhaps also with directing airflow over specific areas of the rad ac condenser and fan shroud. It also could play a role in reducing wind noises. I guess those of you who report not difference perhaps haven't hit the exact conditions the manufacturer designed that thing for?

In any case regardless,if you can prove that the shop removed it go after them via BBB, forums announcements, etc and let them know.

[Six_Legs]

Def good info svard75 and I'm with you.
Tdot, ultimately it is YOUR property and I agree that you should pursue the matter if you are so inclined.
Personally, I'm not missing the part...

[TDot]

Where its situated it definitely doesn't redirect air flow to anything. This car doesn't have enough power to worry about keeping its wheels on the ground. And wind noise, I haven't noticed any difference. I think infiniti put it there for the sake of it...who knows. Either way, I went to the shop and they still have it, couldn't put it on today. I'll go back next week. Either way, it was interesting to learn about this piece.