Lack of engine guard damages my new Maruti Ertiga

The damage to the oil pan seems to have been made by a flying projectile from the tyres.

BHPian Leoshashi recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Came across this case on FB: First, let's learn more about the case. Screenshots of gentleman's post:

Pics:

My take: It's clear that the oil pan is pierced at the point of impact, and to me, it looks like a case of flying projectile from tyres since there is no impact mark on the front plastic trim covering the lower member, and the point of impact is also quite deep inside compared to surrounding areas which look clean.

In the past, I've also come across similar cases where critical engine components got damaged without owners actually running over anything. For example:

This is precisely the reason why I got an engine guard installed in my XL6 which is an OE fit in DualJet equipped Dzires and Swifts. Link to the post.

Maruti should acknowledge this and not indulge in such misery, and offer engine covers at least as an accessory to all existing and future owners.

Here's what BHPian libranof1987 had to say on the matter:

It is incredibly stupid why/how manufacturers skip on the skid plate, especially given our road conditions. We have stones, potholes the size of a politician's ego, debris and what not littered all over our road network.

Our Honda City didn't get one, the Ford EcoSport petrol doesn't get it but the diesel does. I pestered Ford ASC for months at the end to source it so I could fit it on my petrol ES but they couldn't / wouldn't. Since the root problem can't be fixed, the least manufacturers can do is to have India-specific solutions.

This is, of course, Maruti so less of a surprise. Hopefully, at least this chap got a dozen stickers plastered. Or is that for the upcoming Anniversary edition?

Here's what BHPian procrj had to say on the matter:

The engine cover costs Rs 1600/- which Maruti could have easily added to their so-called "premium" cars. Heck, they should just add it to all their cars. Period. IMO, the current engine cover is thin and it would have been better to have an engine cover made of thicker plastic offering much better underbody protection.

Not sure about this as you can look at it as a) Own damage, in which case insurance should cover OR b) manufacturing defect, in which case insurance will deny the claim and you will be left at the mercy of Maruti.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

This will not be covered by insurance unless you have an "engine/gearbox protection" add-on cover. Very important to note that the zero depreciation add-on also doesn't cover this. In the insurance-speak, it is called "consequential loss" and your claim will be denied under a regular policy without such add-on.

I personally know of a case where the oil sump hit a stone, there was no crack or leakage of oil but a small piece of metal chipped off inside the sump and killed the engine. Insurance was denied (zero depreciation policy) and the owner had to pay from his pocket to replace the engine block. They didn't replace the turbo unit during repair and it was found out later that the turbo was also damaged due to lubricant starvation. The car under question was a 6-month old Polo TSI - bill including turbo came close to 4L, 100% paid by the owner.

Here's what BHPian TrackDay had to say on the matter:

Instead of pushing customers to take useless chrome, cushions and other accessories, this should come up as a mandatory offering, if not offered default on the product. Awareness should also be spread about why this part is important. I have seen in the past where a mechanic threw away a similar casing (guard) with the permission of the owner so that the car can be serviced easily in the future.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.