what looks like an underside protector fell off my car today from the rear underside of the car (pictured) - my question though is that what it is and is it doing something crucial that stops me driving from Birmingham to London and back tomorrow?

It's a heatshield for the exhaust. Won't stop you driving,. Some haven't bothered replacing. Your choice. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

It's probably not good for the suspension compressor if that's missing & you have to sit in traffic for any length of time.
Lot more heat transferred into the boot floor ? Paul,
2001 Discovery 2 TD5, 211,000 miles & climbing
2006 FFRR TDV8 Vogue 151,000 miles & now sold
Member of Midland (Land) Rover Owners Club, www.mroc.co.uk

I’d get it back on at some point…. Might need some washers with the nuts if it’s made the holes in the shield bigger.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Need to do mine too

Mine was rattling a bit a few years ago, ripped it out and no problems without it

I spoke to a Chief Tech about another heat shield recently.
When they designed this stuff there was exhaustive justification. I have recently re-screwed all my heat shields in and siliconed the body side.

I would drive the long trip tomorrow without it but plan to put it back in or replace it soonish.

Good luck!


.

As said above, refit using large penny washers

If it wasn’t necessary then JRL would have saved t cost of fitting it when building the car.
Manufacturers cost to the penny in order to make savings.

Thanks everyone. Looks like I am buying some large washers then