Driving Without The Bumper Deflector

[HottNikkels]

I have an 07 silverado z71 classic and I recently cracked the lower deflector that is located under the front bumper. My question is can I just remove this piece and not replace it? What does this piece do exactly? I just dont want to replace it and risk damaging it again as I do a lot of off roading in the winter for ice fishing. So do I need this piece for daily driving?

[old-chevy-dude]

It's there for mpg rating as it helps cut down the under car air buffeting. The majority of members here remove them either unwillingly like you and I. Or willingly because the trucks look better without them.

 

Personally I saw a 0.01 mpg loss. Of course that could have also been because of the added weight of my grill guard and the z71 skid plates.

[jhm]

It's there for mpg rating as it helps cut down the under car air buffeting. The majority of members here remove them either unwillingly like you and I. Or willingly because the trucks look better without them.

 

Personally I saw a 0.01 mpg loss. Of course that could have also been because of the added weight of my grill guard and the z71 skid plates.

.01 mpg loss? I would go get a new replacement right away! My '01 owner manual claims it is for cooling purposes. I think it is there to blend the bumper with the frame, decorative.

[Superperv23]

There are tons of threads on this, there was a pretty big one last week actually, the summary seems to be either GM believes it creates negative pressure which helps cool the engine or makes the truck more aerodynamic to save gas but noone who has removed it has noticed and effect on either.

 

Either way mine is in the basement.

[old-chevy-dude]

well my truck runs at 197 degrees even in Los Angeles traffic.. so cooling... hmm not seeing that part of it..

[HottNikkels]

sweet thanks for the info guys, looks like im not gonna replace mine lol