Hyundai Repair: Hyundai Accent plastic piece, hyundai accent, air flow

Question
We have a 97 Hyundai Accent that has a plastic piece under the left front of the engine.  The plastic is splitting and beginning to hang down.  If I remove this piece am I harming the engine in some way?  Should I replace it?

Answer
This plastic piece helps control air flow and protect the engine area from debris and water.  Removing it will not harm the engine or transmission, and if you drive carefully, it's unlikely that you'd have a enough of a problem with water or large debris to cause malfunction or damage.