'93 850 SE Saloon / Sedan: Under-engine pan essential?

I've managed to trash the plastic pan that lies beneath and across the
engine compartment at the front of my '93 850 SE Saloon / Sedan.
(Drove up over a high kerb.)

Its function appears to be to protect the radiator and whatever else
from road debris and/or to improve the aerodynamics underneath the
car.

I'm loath to replace it on the basis that a) it's likely to be
expensive to do so and b) it's probable that I'll trash it again soon
(!).

On the other hand, if it's an essential item, then I obviously need to
get it sorted.

Comments on this pan's importance would be appreciated.

TIA,

Stuart C

 

can't speak for your model, but I had the same thing happen to my '89 240
wagon a few months ago while on a long trip... not unexpected, since it was
literally hanging by a thread, and finally broke loose. I finished my trip
(about 600 miles) without problem, but was able to find a perfect
replacement at a local junk yard when I got home. I think it cost around
$25, perhaps even less..... you might consider that before contacting your
local Volvo dealer!

 

Comments on this pan's importance would be appreciated.

I would replace it even if it's not absolutely essential to the car getting
from point A-B. You will get better fuel economy, have a higher top speed
and the engine's cooling is designed to work with the pan in place. It's
conceivable that you could over heat a little easier without the pan.

 

Actually, I have noticed fuel consumption has gone up since it came
off.

Thanks for that (and to the other posters who responded). The
consensus here (and elsewhere) is clearly to get the pan repaired or
replaced, which I will do.

The good news is, after having made enquiries, a new part is nowhere
near as expensive as I'd feared.

Stuart C

 

FYI, at least in the US, Volvo deleted that pan for 1994 and later
production.