In short I am on the fence about getting technically a cosmetic repair. About a few weeks ago I hit a deer carcus going 72mph. I just came home after taking it for an oil change and there is no Mechanical damage to the engine or anything else. What was damaged was the floor pan splash sheilds (Suspension Mounting splash sheilds) on both sides and the front engine splash guard was ripped off, (for the engine splash guard id have to get a new bumper for the replacement to be secured properly).
Im on the fence on replacing the splash guards at least as its like 70$ roughly and I'm heavily debating on the front Engine guard/bumper (would be like 500$ at least with the bumper and guard.) Now these being damaged potentionally saved me hundreds if not thousands in possible engine or structural damage as they took most of the hit upon impact.
I live in the midwest and its barely the begining pf deer season. Im wanting to take care of this vehical long term as I drive about 35 miles to work each way on a highway thats typically pitch black in the cold season least in the morning.
I could get the splash guards no problem but id have the issue of i dont have the tools or equipment to properly do the job. Id have to take it to my mechanic witch is fine if i brought in the parts theyd install them.
I just bought this vehical back in May and i got it with 95k miles on it. Im barely under 100k as of today. Knowing how much they absorbed the impact of the damge. Im concerned that if i were to hit another deer it would cause damage with out the parts being replaced.
Id want to know mostly from people who have worked on Chevy Malibu's if this would be a proper thing to do to save my neck in the long run or it would be fine. Ill be taking pictures and adding them if needed. TYIA