[kk07]

I think I heard the deflector plastic cover sometimes scratches/touches the ground, especially when I am coming down from a hill to the flat road. With snow coming here soon, how reliable is that plastic lower deflector? The clearance of the volt is not that high and I am afraid the deflector will catch a lot of snow during winter. Does anyone have any issue with it or having to replace it yet?

 

[lagagnon]

It is quite flexible. We scrape ours lightly almost every time coming down off our driveway into the street, with no issues other than some minor scrapes on it which cannot be seen unless you bend way down and look closely.

It is not something I would waste my time worrying about....

 

[marcusm]

On one of our volts we had to have it replaced. I read that they could order and install a shorter one with slightly more clearance. We had the original size one reinstalled.


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[hellsop]

Gen 1, but that long deflector is AMAZINGLY resilient. I've got a ramp to drive down into the garage that scrapes that deflector about four times a day, plus it's ended up crumpled up against parking stall barriers (before I learned better), curbs in angle stalls (ditto), snow and road gravel, and while scuffed and scored, it's still entirely intact. I've given up trying to keep the tabs in place, though.

 

[Tomt]

The damn thing appears to be indestructible on the Gen 2. Don't worry about it.

 

[kk07]

Thanks folks. Good to hear. The scratching sound just gives me a cringe every time. I guess I need to get used to it.

 

[Cord]

I never could remember if it was the right side or left side that was tab A into slot A ect - so mine are also left unconnected.

 

[billnoroville]

Just be thankful that it is not built like the redesigned Prius. Our 2016 Prius front bumper does not have a soft rubber deflector but instead it is the lower part of the entire front plastic bumper cover piece. Not something small and replaceable. Thanks to a parking concrete bumper being a little high on one end we now have a visible crease along the front side lower plastic that is about 5 inches long. Chevy got it right, Toyota did not. Both cars are too low in the front for me but I understand why they did it. Air resistance.

 

[Steverino]

Thanks folks. Good to hear. The scratching sound just gives me a cringe every time. I guess I need to get used to it.

Cars used to have spring "curb feelers" that stuck out from the sides. When you got close enough, the curb feelers would make a sound as they started to contact and drag along the curb. Did not hurt the car, just let you know you were close enough to the curb.

The Volt's air dam will also make a sound, but like the curb feelers, it's flexible plastic, nothing is being damaged.

 

[Insight Refugee]

Mine scrapes at least a few times each week and so far no noticeable damage.

I have taken to backing into parking spaces when practical to avoid issues with concrete parking bump stops ... the worst is when they have a piece of rebar sticking up to hold it place. The old Insight required half a roll of black duct tape to repair an encounter with one of those.

 

[MikeyCVolt]

I only scraped mine once but it was a HARD hit: coming out of my son's school there's a deceptive low spot. I checked it when I got home since by the sound, I was sure there would be damage. Just some minor scratches and nothing even loose. As lagagnon said, you can't even see it unless you practically crawl under the car.

Mike

 

[johnny mars]

I just finally broke my air dam on a parking space stop. Can I install a new one easily or is it off to the dealership? And what is the official term for the piece? "lower air dam" or "lower air deflector"?

 

[Barry]

It is definitely possible to DIY. You just need a screwdriver and some patience for the large number of screws. The biggest problem is limited space underneath to work, so lifting or driving up on blocks or boards is a big help. Note that 2 of the screws are longer than the others.

The name and part number are in the thread title. Part number may vary by model year or at least generation.

 

[Steverino]

97k miles and 7.5 miles later and my original air dam is still in good shape though scuffed a bit. Some of the screws that attach it to the bumper are starting to look just a little rusty, thats the only real "wear" I see.

 

[Saint]

Its a $40 part, just change it if you don't like how it looks. Electric screwdriver helps. I use my drill. I am sure your independent mech will do it for cheap next time you go for oil change.

I don't think shorter deflector makes sense. Mine scraps everyday on the way of the garage. When it is itme I will just replace it. No need to lose that tiny amount of better deflection.

https://www.findlayautoparts.com/oe...9MjAxNyZ0PWx0JmU9MS01bC1sNC1lbGVjdHJpYy1nYXM=