Are Heat Shields a MUST?

[mistertoyou]

I have a Citroen Saxo 1.1 P Reg.

There was alot of noise coming from the exhaust.

I took it to a garage and found that the problem was the heat shield was loose and was knocking against the exhaust.

The mechanic solved the problem by removing it altogether, when I asked if I needed it, he said no.

Is this right, surly it's there for a good reason.

Do I need to replace it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KingboyD]

Your car wont catch fire

 

[mistertoyou]

Sorry

 

[tekkiesteve]

If it was removed from underneath the catalytic convertor i would replace it because they become extremely hot and if you park over combustable material i.e grass, waste paper the inevitable will happen.

 

[Stivino]

As I understand it, the shield is there to protect the cat as much as anything else. Some cars (most in fact) don't have a shield on the cat so I wouldn't worry too mush.

 

[libby lou lou]

Don't worry about it, don't fetch it up if the insurance happen to mention it

 

[mistertoyou]

thanks for the replys.

so all in all it's ok to drive, but get it replaced asap?

 

[Robster_1981]

thanks for the replys.

so all in all it's ok to drive, but get it replaced asap?

I wouldn't bother mate.
I've had a few cars with noisey heat shields and i've taken them off without any problems.

Just to be sure, have a look under the car and make sure there is nothing close to the exhaust that's being affected by the heat