Heat Shield unnecessary?

My 2002 CRV is being serviced at a Honda dealership. I asked them to look at a rattling noise near the exhaust. The service writer called me and said it was a rusted heat shield, and has removed it.

He said he rips them off cars all the time and doesn't replace them. "It's for driving through leaves, so they don't start on fire."

Of course, occasionally in the fall, I park in the street with piles of leaves. He said it was $200 to replace, but didn't recommend it.

Should I replace the heat shield, and ignore his advice?

Eh, I think you'll be ok. Those shields can also do the opposite and catch stuff between them and the coveter, again catching fire. Just be aware of where you're parking and avoid piles of dry leaves and tall dry grass. A few leaves or anything damp shouldn't pose a problem.

Thank you for the response. Indeed, though, in my community you can rake leaves into the gutter for the city to pick up. So there can be a substantial carpet of leaves that are mostly unavoidable. Guess I'll have to be careful.

.. Unfortunately, I just spotted a leak, too, between the rear wheels. They changed the rear dif fluid, and I'm guessing that's what's leaking. Back to the dealership.