Glossary / Engine

heat shield

9 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

A heat shield is a metal sheet that keeps hot parts of the car, like the exhaust, from getting too hot and damaging other parts.

Technical Definition

A heat shield is a metal or composite panel that protects vehicle components from the high temperatures generated by the engine and exhaust system. It is typically mounted around the exhaust piping to prevent heat damage.

Hear It Discussed

"And then they have it dripping onto the heat shield of the exhaust, man."
#25100: Parts and Labor The Best of Car Talk 23:55

"and I made it worse than the was it 19 and newer where you had to remove the heat [1696.5s] shield and yep two sensors and that's what I've got 21 so way worse a lot of stuff to pull out"
Talking About Car Repair on this Live Call In Car Talk Show Under The Hood show 28:11

"...above the exhaust, above the heat shield, so you have to take down the exhaust, the heat shield."
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 21, 2026 - Hour 1 - When Is Enough, Enough? Knowing When to Walk Away from a Repair Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 05:28