Chevrolet Cruze Splash Shields for Durability

When it comes to making sure the Chevrolet Cruze is as durable as it can be, Dave Schoener and his teammates are all wet, says automaker Chevrolet.

As a GM splash test engineer, Schoener helped develop a splash shield for the Chevrolet Cruze that protects the engine compartment from water and potentially harmful contaminants.

In addition, the splash shields, a segment exclusive in the Cruze, help prevent underbody corrosion by repelling water, dirt and mud. They also contribute to the Cruze’s fuel economy – an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway for Cruze Eco – by reducing wind drag.

“With the Cruze, you have a very comprehensive splash protector on an entry sedan that you typically wouldn’t see except in high-end luxury vehicles,” said Schoener.

Schoener recommended adding underbody shields to the Cruze after observing repeated splash tests in GM’s new $1.4-million Flooded Road Lab at the company’s Milford, Mich. Proving Ground.

There, engineers drove the Cruze through a submerged roadway filled with two to 12 inches of standing water – at speeds ranging from 5 to 35 miles per hour – to ensure long-term quality and dependability.

Schoener and his team used the lab learning to find solutions to keep water, grit, salt and other contaminants away from the Cruze’s engine and transmission.

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries.