The fire suppressant and melting clips is just a myth that people just keep repeating. There are vids of people setting them on fire and they are not fire resistant. Also, fire gets its oxygen from the bottom, not the top. If engine is on fire it well get plenty of oxygen from below the engine.
It is *not* a fire blanket guys. Stop for a second and think. It isn't made of a material that melts/smothers, it's made of a fibre that is (a little) fireproof - better call it heat-proof. If the plastic clips fail it just sits down onto the top of the engine a few inches lower, but that does what - it won't smother flames, it won't stop the hood being burned etc. In a crash where a fire is likely to occur, there's likely to be enough damage to displace the hood. This IS an NVH addition and a paint protection tool. As someone with 2x 30 year old Toyotas, with a lacquer peeling patch directly above the engine on one and the turbo on the other (no hood insulator fitted for 15 years), I can confirm it IS for paint protection (Secondary purpose). Sure paint gets baked - for a couple of hours, then never again for life, and sure the paint won't die after a few years, but it will eventually and good manufacturers know to minimize the chances of early failure - the NVH pad helps by doing both. I makes me laugh how you're so sure it's a fire blanket yet so sure it's not a heat protection despite it being used on the firewall to prevent heat entering the cabin :D
My 92 3000GT has plastic clip not metal. I'm replacing my pad with Siless sound deadener and and heat shield. It goes on one small panel at time. I sticks on the metal so there are no clips. I'm in the process so I can't tell you how good it is, but apparently a lot of people are using it.
i am a desiel mech... without it it keeps the bay way cooler in temps... with it on.. it holds alot of heat in the engine bay , not so good. the cooler the better
Those who have been to a wrecking yard or have worked on various makes will know the difference. For example, I had a '01 Escape XLS (Ford) that had nothing in it compared to my '81 Fleetwood (Cadillac). Only way to kill a fire is too eliminate the fuel or oxygen, thus it is not a blanket. If your paint fails due to much heat, get rid of the heat which I'd then suggest one might consider louvre's. Long drives listening to an engine drone from either the induction or exhaust is tiring. But then I tend to laugh at those who think loud is fast. Not to be confused with a well built engine like my neighbors old classic truck, who wanted to apologize for it as it has a very distinct rumble and idle lope. I told, him it was all good.
Thanks a lot for taking time and researching this. Now I want the noises but it worries me I daily-drive my S2000 and sometimes weather is at over 100 degrees F
Hi, I had a AP2 and I would keep the insulator on your S2K. If you want some more noise, you can upgrade your air filter or intake but the intake box on the S2000 is pretty good.
@@DriversTherapy yup, many prefer to modify the OEM box rather than changing it. I have an AP1, running the Takeda intake. But I did kept the OEM, might modify it later and try it out.
it is called a hood silencer. its not a fire blanket at all. its fire retardent but its not what its for. its material is for sound dampening very similar to the sound dampening insulation in a building. look up the part number. its always called a hood silencer.
@@DriversTherapy Id remove it if I was you. ALL 4runners stopped putting those in the hood years ago. They actually cause issues, hold dirt, that dirt gets directly into the intake, causes over heating of engine and they cause fiberglass particulates into the cabin air system. Also their intended use, sound dampening, isnt effective whatsoever.
Hey I might be able to clear up what material that is actually made out of you see I am an HVAC technician but I also am a trained air quality specialist and a asbestos microscopist... I believe that they used asbestos as many insulators do because of its qualities so I wouldn't be swinging that thing around inside a room like that.... Now I know a lot of uneducated people in here are going to tell me how I don't know anything but I literally have an education for a reason pretty sure that is asbestos.
Since this hood blanket traps the heat in the engine bay. And since a lot of plastic is now in the engine cab .I think to protect that plastic and all the electronics that you find in a modern vehicle its now better not to have it and save all that plastic and electronics from the heat.As for the fear of fire just carry a fire extinguisher with you .Its better than a hood blanket anyway
It definitely keeps heat in. These blankets/covers are the greatest mystery because some vow it’s for fire protection, others say it’s noise reduction, and then you have the paint protection group. I can see the fire blanket part and I don’t care about noise reduction. I did add some reflect tape on the hood to meditate the small possibility of paint issues.
I looked but I could not find any data at all. The only thing I found was someone on a forum saying he worked for a company that makes them and they are suppose to be for fire suppression.
My Miata never had hood insulation. The paint was fine for ~15 years. You do notice steam coming off the hood in a light rain. I've added a turbo with a proper heat shield and had no troubles so far.
I watched your video because I need to replace my washer nozzle and my washer valve. It might be only one that needs replacing, but I have to take down my insulation so I rather do both parts . I’m not a mechanic, but I’ve seen some videos and it looks like I can do it. I’m concerned about breaking the plastic snaps because the dealership told me they are not sold separately. That leads me to this question, if the shop tore your hood why would you have to pay to replace it. They are the professionals. So they didn’t even offer to partially pay for it? I know it’s been 3 years since you made this video, but it sounds like the person didn’t take time to carefully remove it.
What about small displacement, naturally aspirated engines? mazda 3 2.0 sky-g If a fire is to start at the engine, a spongy cover isn't going to change that... that car is gone either way.
Mine just fell off my Honda Fit...I DON'T like engine noise.... and I simply REFUSE to spend that kind of money on a new one. Looks like cheap materials...I feel certain it costs no more than $30 to construct ...and they seem to be "built to tear". (looks a lot like yours) I'm going to attempt to make chipboard washers and sandwich the torn clip holes between two of these washers with some heavy duty glue that can stand up to heat...clip the whole thing back on and then cover the chipboard washers with a little DEI tape.
Would there be an alternative way of having the fire blanket but still hearing the engine louder? I'm wanting to get more sound out of the VR5 on my Bora. This video cleared alot up btw if OP reads this thank you
My car is a California model. I moved from California to the north east and when the fall arrived and it is 30s and 40s in the morning, my car started to act up and even back fire when I start it in the morning. I installed insulation under the hood since California model don't have hood insulation and my car start and run without any problem in the cold freezing weather. So I think the car hood is to prevent cold start problem in the freezing winter morning.
@@DriversTherapy It depends on the type of car. I think a direct injection car would not be affected by the outside temperature. But mine is a port injection thus the intake manifold get hot and cold from the temperature. If the intake manifold is too cold, it will cool the gas vapor so it is too cold to combust properly. The insulation keep the intake manifold warm enough so that the vapor injected into the manifold can stay warm enough to combust properly, IMHO.
I wonder if they started to introduce them whenever they started to get stricter with crash and safety requirments. Either way, it has been a mystery for a lot of us about what it is. Thanks for checking out the video.
HERE'S THE THING...I LOVE TO HEAR MY ENGINE. I JUST RIPPED MY OFF OF MY 2012 SCION TC ENGINE INSULATION.. IT WAS ALREADY KINDA TIRED...SO MY POINT, I'M OLDSCHOOL...ENGINE NOISE IS AWESOME!!!
So I'm live in FL. outside temps get up to 95 degrees in the summer. Does this insulation help keep the engine cooler when outside temps are that high?
Hello, thinking of installing it but how long did it take before you noticed that your Tacoma started to have hood paint issue because of the engine heat? Did it come to a point that you had to repaint your hood because of it?
@@markymarc4651al soon as I removed it I took about a year , I live in a hot dry city aswell which made it even worse, aliso you will hear the engine at a much higher decimal, dont do it its not worth it….. my hood was shiny and then after a year it wasnt, I took it to a paint shop to have it completely repainted only to have the same problem again 2 yrs later and as far as the comment about the clear coat, I had them clear coat it 3 layers, it was really shiny only to see it fade, I recently added insulation back and notice a much quieter engine and cooler hood…
It depends on the make and model. Some are used as fire blankets and others are used for noise reduction or both. For many cars, it is OK if you remove it. I would check with your car's specific forum and ask around.
from my experience... if you remove it make sure your engine temps are normal and you dont own a big turbo or V8. IT WILL FUCK UP YOUR TOUAREG V8 HOOD PAINT, and you wont know till its to late....but it was used so idgaf
Oh no! I do mention that in the video as well. Big turbos, high HP, and carbon fiber hoods will see possible damage if you remove the insulator. Of course it varies but I agree that you can see issue with high temp vehicles which are usually high HP. Thanks for sharing and watching the video.
Ooh, new intro. Thanks for another informative video. I figured most cars with ICEs had something like this. The CR-Z has a really tiny one that's just directly over the engine, whereas my mom's car's stretched over most of the hood. Unless this is what you meant by the firewall? But yeah, I figured it was for noise reduction and heat soak.
YES!!! We love the new intro. Elise is getting more savvy with Adobe. Thanks for watching the video, I know it is an odd topic but I noticed when I posted a question about it on a Facebook page, no one really knew what it was for.
@@DriversTherapy I see, thank you I will and I will subscribe to see more videos from you thank you. Now I have to wait until they have it back because it is out of stock. Thank you.
I have a Ford Ranchero 1974, Cleveland 351 engine, the radiator hose is a little taller than stock so the clamp actually makes contact with the insulator pad, is there any problem with that?
I like turbo noise too and because I've got a quiet aftermarket exhaust (whifbitz in the UK) I can hear the engine bay even with the fire blanket on. Cool video man!
Chill out u don't usually need it I lost it 2 years ago and I didn't know what it's for so I didn't buy and after 2 years it didn't damage the paint so this is foreblanket and noise prove .
Right! That is what I have been trying to tell everyone but for some reason people think their paint will get damaged. Thanks for checking out the video man.
@@DriversTherapy i have jet black paint on my 2004 e46 and removed the insulator about 7 months ago and i definitiely noticed light oxidation above the engine and bought a new one.
@@DriversTherapy yeah it’s unfortunate- everyone on the e46 forum claims you don’t need it but they’re wrong. it’s not too bad though, I think it’ll polish out pretty easy.
@@wooltrouserslover777 I understand. That is why I added in the video that every car is different. Even though I have no heard of a Supra having issues I still put some heat reflect tape on it for peace of mind.
People just dont realize how good clear coat is for paint protection. That's a fire blanket. If you notice on battery blankets, they are made from same materials...so they probably insulate to help warm up engine too.
I spent 3k at Tim dhale and every time I took my Nissan Sentra 2012 I left with a new problem. There is a hood pad within the engine I guess and I think it was rubbing up against something because every time I hit the gas in the morning it was soooo loud! I just ripped a lot of it off I cannot afford to take it back and have a new problem
Hi, Crystal, sorry to hear you have been having some car trouble. If the pad was hanging it could make, contact with something but the chances it causing an issue besides getting burnt or making contact with a belt if it is torn a lot is very little. Did you keep the pad or throw it away? What condition was it in?
@@DriversTherapy it had nothing to do with the pad or any belt 😒 I took it to Ken Garff and they saw that the transmission fluid was almost empty… I paid 1800 for Tim dahle to almost destroy my vehicle… they will not own up to it.
@@crystalmendoza5727 I’m sorry to hear that. Unfortunately it’s happens to often. Usually people know good mechanics and you just have to ask around and try to find one.
Not all cars use plastic hooks to hold it up, some use metal which will not melt and let it drop, and it actually makes a poor fire blanket. If you look under some cars from the 80s and 90s tgey were made from flammable materials.
That's because this is NOT intended or designed as a fire blanket. Newer was. Fire blanket is a soft cloth material which can softly deform as any other blanket around the object to induce oxygen deprivation around covered object. Hood insulator is a hardened sound insulator which will remain rigid if detached, meaning it would act like an inch lowered hood, that's all. The purpose of it is to make a bit less noisy front end, and that's all. Not a mayor influence in general noise level.
So question I put oil in my 2011 Ford Fusion and forgot to put the top on and as I was driving I started to smell oil in the inside of the car I thought maybe because I spilled a little bit while I was pouring it in and I did clean it so I was like okay well maybe it'll burn off but it just started getting worse I was like oh my god did I really forget to put the top on and yes I did so the inside the cushion in the inside is a little drenched with oil so should I take it off or should I clean it I know for sure it's going to continue to smell like oil inside of the car until that is taken care of
Hello, accidents happen so don't beat yourself up too much. I personally would get a few shop towels and damp the area with oil as much as you can till you can soak up as much of the oil you can. After that, I would let it just dry up. There will be a stain and you will smell some oil for a while but over time it will go away. I think that is the best move so you keep your engine pad in place. If it bugs you too much, go to the dealership see how much a new one costs and weigh that option as well. Thank you for watching the video and let me know if I can help any further.
@@DriversTherapy it really doesn’t get that hot in the top of the engine bay I wouldn’t leave the car at idle for hours on end without air passing thru the hood just to be safe
@@DriversTherapy also for about a month now , it was a completely fresh paint job and I live in Phoenix , az and literally no issues as far as I can see and the hood really doesn’t get that hot
@@OMGEB no I don’t have a scoop but air naturally passes through the top of the engine bay as well as the top of the hood similar to blowing on a spoon full soup that’s too hot. I wouldn’t suggest leaving your car running while it’s stationary for many hours at a time but the main factor in paint fade is for a fact the sun and not the engine heat
The science is pretty sound on how it would be bad for your paint. Let's start by building a list of facts. 1. Rain can actually not occur without particulates in the air which fundamentally means that basically all rain is dirty water. 2. Removing the hood liner WILL increase the temperature of the metal and the paint on your hood. 3. When water evaporates , the dissolved contents will be left behind 4. Heating and cooling things causes mechanical weathering of the material . There are many examples of this in earth sciences and in chemistry. 5. Water spots can etch into the clear coat of your paint. Therefore , when you remove the hood liner in your car you will increase the temperature of your hood (2). This increase in heat will result in more minerals being left behind when dirty raindrops come into contact with the now hotter hood (1,3). People call these water spots. Water spots can etch into your paint(5). Furthermore, now that the hood is hotter, its temperature range between hot and cold will be greater which will result in more heat weathering as the hot and cold causes the materials to expand and contract to a greater degree (4).
Sound logic. I can see your point and in fact I sided with caution and added a barrier via heat reflective tape but there are also cases where people removed their insulator, and nothing happened. I think your logic applies to must cases but not all. Paint is good up to around 300 degrees. Engines are usually around 220 degrees with exhaust manifolds exceeding that range. Where people actually see damage is in that area. The only cases I read about damage due to a missing insulator was aftermarket big turbos burning the paint which makes sense due to the 300-degree limit. Your rain theory is solid but if it was raining, most likely the temperatures would be cooler on the paint surface. If you washed your car in the sun and drove it afterwards, then I can see your water theory having a bad impact. I think no one can say with certain since every make and model varies but one thing is for sure, leave it on, or add some heat tape if you do not want to buy one if it falls apart. Thank you for watching the video.
Depending on the make and model, it came be used as a fire blanket, engine noise dampener, and or the hood protector from heat. It just depends. On the Supra, it is a fire blanket and it helps reduce some engine noise. Some people state it helps to protect the hood paint but it has been noted that people have removed it and no issues with the hood paint at all.
My Golf TDI insulator pad keeps coming loose, and I was wondering if I even needed the pad. Thanks so much for answering my question. Excellent informational video.
Hi John L. I just bought a well looked after Golf 5 TDI n found the insulation was shredding away. I'm considering getting a ceramic fire blanket cos the OEM replacement is ridiculously priced. What was ur final solution? Great video BTW, very informative.
@@mohsin5520 thanks! Each car varies on the importance of insulator. For my Supra I just used some DEI Cool Tape. Ran some strips across most of the underside but made sure to focus on the exhaust side. I made a video about it as well if you wanna check it out. If you are on the fence of removing it I would go onto the Golf forums and see if anyone has had any issues removing it. In most cases there is not. Let me know what you end up doing or if you have any more questions. 🤘🏽
@@DriversTherapy considering purchasing a ceramic fire blanket and shape it up to the original. Will use new replacement clips and see how that goes. My other reason for replacing it, other than for safety is also to try and quieten down the the already "naturally" loud VW diesel engine. I'll shop around a bit so my update might not be soon. However, I will most definitely keep u in the loop.
I am running a 1200hp with a wrapped down pipe and a heat protection on the turbo, however my hood liner is literally smoking. I thinking of remove it and in the next winter add wrap to the exhaust manifold. Have you tried to see if it can burn? I am sure mine could with all that smoke have now from it🙃
I am sure it can burn. If you do remove it I would highly recommend to add some heat tape on the underside of the hood. Especially where the area at and near the turbo. At those heat cycles, I can see some damage to paint. I would also check to see if the hood liner is sagging and making contact with the turbo or manifold. It shouldn’t be smoking unless it is making contact. I would leave it on there if you can make it stop smoking.