under car splash pans@#%^&#@

are those under motor splash pans really necessary in all cases? what is the main purpose? my 94 prism is lacking such. the roads around here ain,t got much rocks and peebles,etc. i am mainly concerned about water splash onto the alternator. So = should i fork out some cash for some at our friendly salvage yard?

what is the main purpose? So = should i fork out some cash for some at our friendly salvage yard?

James, aside from what the part name implies, they also serve to protect fragile components such as the A/C tubing, condenser, and any wiring harnesses or sensors that you might find handy to have undamaged. It might also serve to channel air properly to cool the engine.
If you have a friendly salvage yard, go for it. Shouldn't cost more than $40 or so. Get the bolts and screws too in case yours are missing.
What I don't don't is if the Prism & Corolla splash guards are interchangeable.
Highland

old post, but I would also recommend putting new bolts in when working on splash panels, as these bolts tend to rust. I've snapped 2 bolts off my car from the splash panels.