Heat shields are metal plates installed along a vehicle’s exhaust system or anywhere sensitive components need to be protected from heat.
Sometimes a heat shield is mounted so that it is around the item radiating the heat. Other times, it’s mounted around the item being protected from the heat.
One simple example is the plastic box that covers the battery on some vehicles. It keeps the battery protected from excessive engine compartment heat to prevent the battery fluid from boiling and releasing a lot of corrosive acid.
Heat shields are typically made of metals like aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum is commonly used because it’s an excellent choice for conducting heat. On the other hand, stainless steel is used because it is sturdy and shields undercarriage components from damage very well.
Heat shields are critical components for any vehicle because they prevent heat from entering surrounding components and areas of the vehicle, minimizing damage to components in the undercarriage. They also allow parts with high operating temperatures to work without risk of getting damaged by flying debris or affecting the operation of surrounding parts.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
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"Heat shields are typically made of metals like aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum is commonly used because it’s an excellent choice for conducting heat.
Isn't the purpose of a Heat Shield to Reflect heat away from a hot exhaust pipe to the car interior or other parts? If Aluminum is used for Conducting the heat, that defeats the intent of reflecting it away.
"On the other hand, stainless steel is used because it is sturdy and shields undercarriage components from damage very well."
Heat shields are not normally placed to protect parts from flying debris. That would require that the shield is below the hot item (for protection from the road), which would cause the heat to be reflected upward towards the car body - not downward and away from the car. Most modern cars have plastic or metal Splash Guards under the engine to protect it from splashing water and/or flying debris from the road. In this case, being reflective is irrelevant.