do the plastic engine covers serve a purpose???

[SoHoVe]

I'm not sure what other manufacturers are doing but Toyota seems fond of including plastic engine covers on their vehicle & some Lexus models are just outrageous in this respect. Is there a purpose other than appearance?

I'm guessing not.

[Hollywood]

It says "Why did you open the hood? Take me to the dealer."

[HWTechGuy]

Originally Posted by Hollywood

It says "Why did you open the hood? Take me to the dealer."

Sure seems that way in that example. The one on my Avalon isn't so bad, pretty much covers just the intake plenum/manifold. It comes right off.

[SoHoVe]

Originally Posted by Hollywood

It says "Why did you open the hood? Take me to the dealer."

GREAT ANSWER!!

Thanks for posting the pic as well.

It would be my guess that very few who buy a brand new Lexus have any intention of servicing it themselves anyway.

[trlhiker]

They do this to make the engine bay looks nice and clean. You will find it on almost all nicer vehicles.

[GnomadAK]

Some are allegedly designed to smother an engine fire by melting around the motor. But yeah, mostly just dress up.

[victimofGM]

When automakers are pinching pennies to keep vehicle cost down, wouldn’t not making these plastic covers be better if all they’re for is cosmetics? I have a Hyundai Elantra and it has this plastic cover.

[ukrkoz]

automakers are pinching pennies to keep vehicle cost down?

Is that what them poor starving CEOS tell crowd now? Ah, yes, we had to bail out dying Big Three. Well, they can always take my job and have solid income.

I'd say, specifically for Lexus, it is likely following the trend, set by its ever lasting make to chase - Mercedes. Mercedes did that thing, when you literally had no access to engine from any end. Can't even change oil. Lexus always wanted to be Mercedes wannabe. Then it precipitated into cheaper makes as that cosmetic cover - that actually starts looking pretty crappy in short time and CAN NOT be cleaned, as dirt soaks into plastic - costs prolly 30 cents but adds a lot of selling point and profit.

never forget one thing. Cars are dead as of the late 1990s. As of early to mid 2000s, it's all about DESIGN and LOOKS, not much about quality and reliability.

[ukrkoz]

I'm just curious. What "poor starving pinching pennies" car manufacturer will be investing MILLIONS into pretty much useless cars and sell them below their cost? What, those money grow on the trees somewhere in VW ochard or something?
They still make plenty.

[00molavi]

It might also have some sound deadening effect.