Under car splash covers/shields... Leave them off or put them back on?

[A.Tech]

I took these off because they were in my way when I was disabling my A/C compressor (which I will be replacing the clutch this summer) and I never put them back on because they just looked dirty and I did not feel like having to take them off again because there is a lot of annoying bolts I don't wanna deal with.

Anyway, I hit a puddle last week and today and my lights dimmed out for a minute. I am either thinking my alt got wet a little or the belt got wet and it was slipping as it was turning decreasing the overall voltage. Do you think I should them back on or just don't bother? Besides water and I guess theft is there any real reason in your opinion to keep them on?

I will probably put them back on in after I fix the A/C...

[MinisterofDOOM]

Definitely put them back on, especially the right side as it protects the alternator.

You should be fine leaving it off until you're done with the A/C work, though.

[Nick240sx]

yeah, when you are done the work i would replace them. one came off on my galant after my little brother drove it over a curb (hes "learning" to drive) and it just puts my a/c condensor and the belts out on the open for any up coming water and dirt. id imagine its doing the same for your car.

just my .02

[nismo1219]

put them mofo's back on!! thats especially important with the driver side as well if you have a CAI (injen) like i do! so, slap 'em back on and drive and drive thru a lake!!!!! ok, j/k.

[A.Tech]

I have a shortram WAI, So It does not matter on that side. I think that side is broken anyway... I will put the other side back on though... def...