The shield of the fuel tank in your Land Rover is a sheet of metal that shelters the gasoline tank of your car to guard against any outside damage. When you are traveling through off-road terrain, the fuel tank cover keeps road debris from contacting the fuel tank.
It withstands every blow meant for the gas tank, protecting the safety of both you and your car. Despite the fact that it may only be a sheet of metal, its function is crucial to the correct operation and high-performance requirements of your Land Rover.
Every car’s fuel tank is protected with a plate that is meant to contain and protect the gasoline tank. In Land Rovers, the gasoline tank is frequently located beneath the vehicle, making it crucial to keep it safe from potential hazards like road debris. The gasoline tank shield can, unfortunately, have issues of its own that limit its capacity to do its function effectively.
Recognise Rust on the Fuel Tank Shield
The following are ways to would notice if the shield of your fuel tank is rusting:
- Clear rust on the outside of the shield.
- Rusted patches around drain holes.
- Noticeable stains from rusting beneath your vehicle.
Potential Causes of Rusting on the Fuel Tank Shield
Like every other part of your Land Rover, the gasoline tank shield is subject to wear over time. Maintaining it in top condition is essential for maximizing your vehicle’s working systems. Here are a few potential reasons why the gasoline tank shield on your Land Rover can rust:
Off-Road Driving
The gasoline tank shield on your Land Rover might corrode or rust if you use it frequently. When you take your Land Rover on challenging off-road excursions, you subject it to various environmental factors like shallow water, muddy trails, or jagged rocks. Each of them will have an effect on your car’s fuel tank shield.
For instance, if you drive through muddy roads and have mud on the sides and underbelly of your Land Rover, you need to wash this off right away. Your fuel tank’s protective layer is now exposed to oxygen which can turn metal to rust if any pebbles dinged it. Mud can start to damage the gasoline tank shield underneath since it takes longer for mud to dry than water does.
Driving Through Water
Driving recklessly over water is another factor that might contribute to a rusted fuel tank shield. The gasoline tank shield will progressively erode if the water pools inside the convenient place in the tank. The rusting process will be accelerated by heat since hot water makes the water’s properties more active.
Driving on Roads Covered in Salt
For several months of the year, roads in various parts of the nation are salted to make them safe for driving in the winter. Your Land Rover’s undercarriage might suffer greatly if you drive on roads covered in salt.
If you reside in an area where the road is usually covered by salt in the winter, you can take further steps to halt the process. Ask our experts how to keep the salt off of your Land Rover during wintertime.
Ways to deal with the Rusting Problem on the Shield of the Fuel Tank
It takes a multi-step method to address the rust or corrosion of the fuel tank shield. Our professionals can choose to approach the issue differently depending on the data they get during the first diagnostic procedure. In most cases, changing the shield is the only way to remedy the problem, but if rust hasn’t spread too far, it could be possible to clean and restore it.
What is the Best Way to Prevent the Rusting of Fuel Tank Shield
In order to prevent the gasoline tank shield on your Land Rover from rusting at a rate, there are several things you can do. Such as:
- Consult with our reputable experts who specialize in Land Rover vehicles.
- Store your car in a protected place away from moisture or water exposure.
- Avoid driving through deep puddles (even if it may be tempting, given your Rover’s unique capabilities.)
- Perform regular, continuing checks of the undercarriage of your Land Rover. Even a local car wash that sprays the undercarriage can be helpful as a temporary fix.
My Euro Pro Can Fix the Problem
If your Land Rover has issues 
with rusting of the fuel tank shield, bring it to My Euro Pro. We will ensure that your Land Rover receives the highest quality service it deserves.
All our technicians are ASE-Certified and are equipped with the latest factory-grade tools. If you live in Myrtle Beach or Charleston, SC, please contact us to set an appointment!
* Land Rover Defender Car image credit goes to: Javier Peribanez.