Alongside much-needed torque and power, an engine also generates heat which is important for the combustion process and proper operation of the engine. As important as heat is for the engine, it can also be a bad thing if there's too much of it.
Now this can happen for various reasons but when the engine has a higher temperature than what's needed or when it's close to overheating, it can not only be louder but also less efficient and prone to issues. While the issues won't come straight away, they certainly will at a later date if you keep using your car at a higher operating temperature than usual.
Heat Shields
What Are They?
Heat shields are simply put, solid pieces of metal or any other dissipative material that allow heat coming from a certain component to either leave said component quickly or keep it from affecting surrounding parts. There are many benefits to using a proper peel and stick heat shield and the fact that it relies on an adhesive isn't a downside at all.
Benefits
You see, an adhesive heat barrier may sound like a bad idea, but the adhesive used on such heat shields is actually quite strong since it can take extremely high temperatures. This means you get a solution that is easy to install while being as good as its more complex counterparts. You get to prolong the life of your engine as well as your vehicle just by applying a protective layer over one or multiple components.
How to Apply a Heat Shield
1. Installing an adhesive heat shield is a fairly easy task as all you need to do to prepare is to determine the placement of the shield. You can mark the area you want to insulate with a marker so that you get the most out of the heat shield.
2. Make sure that the surface you're applying the heat shield to is clean which means you should go over it with rubbing alcohol beforehand. Then, measure said area and cut the material with some scissors or a box cutter so that it matches the exact dimensions.
3. After that, remove the backing of the heat shield and place it on the component you want to protect. When applying an adhesive heat shield make sure to put pressure on it with your hands so that it sticks to the component properly without any air bubbles forming. You can also use a roller to ensure no air bubbles form.
When to Get a New Heat Shield
Smell
Like every other component in your car, replacing it is just an inevitable act and the same goes for a peel and stick heat shield. The first sign that you should be wary of is a burning smell. The adhesive lasts for a certain period of time and when the heat eventually gets to it it will start to smell.
Heat
Once the adhesive and therefore the contact between the heat shield and engine bay component is no longer the way it used to be, you'll notice high heat levels. This may be caused by another overheating component but that isn't always the case, especially not when excessive heat is accompanied by a burning smell.
Sound
Although not always, you can expect to notice some tapping noises as the adhesive heat shield loosens up and starts hitting the component it has been on for so long. This may not be apparent straight away but usually, when you open the bonnet, you'll notice these sounds.
What Matters in Heat Shield
Thickness
The thickness of the heat shield affects not only its weight but also its effectiveness. Not all engine bay components generate the same amount of heat which means you should make use of a heat shield that is thick enough but not too thick
If your heat shield is thicker than what you actually need it can add a lot more weight to your vehicle. While one thick heat shield won't make any difference, apply multiple ones that cover a large surface area and you have yourself a vehicle that uses more fuel and has slower acceleration. Choosing the correct thickness is key here.
Material
You can get an adhesive heat barrier made of fibreglass or carbon. Fibreglass heat shields are more common since they are both strong and durable. They are often combined with metal which makes them even longer-lasting than usual. However, fibreglass heat shields don't make for the lightest solution which is a no-go when it comes to weight savings. For this, you should get a carbon heat shield as not only is it much lighter than a fibreglass one it's also as durable and as strong as its more modern counterpart.
Conclusion
Details don't matter as much with heat shields when you need to keep your daily commuter in good health but when it comes to performance, they can make a big difference. If you keep in mind your vehicle's needs then you can get a heat shield that will satisfy them for longer than you'd expect.
