I recently was driving when I heard something dragging underneath my car. I pulled over to see this piece hanging from my undercarriage by one bolt. I was able to remove it, however I have a few questions.

1) What is this part called?

2) Is it safe to drive without it? I will bring it to a mechanic this weekend but in the meantime I need to commute to work.

Thanks for the help.

 

I have an '06 Accord.

 

Probably the lower cover (heat shield) for the catalytic converter. Is the upper cover still there? The lower and upper covers (heat shield) go around the catalytic converter.

It's okay to drive without the cover.

 

There is no probaly to it. Thats one of the heat covers for your Honda's cat.
The bottom heat shield really isn't needed. but the top cat you do need cause it protects the underside of the car from if the cat should bounce and hit the car.

 

Thanks for the advice.

I am a bit concerned, though, that this piece just completely rusted out to the point of just falling off. I live in the Northeast, but I get my undercarriage washed frequently in the winter to prevent salt buildup. My car has about 120K miles on it.

 

It could have had help. Just driving the car round, scraping it on speed bumpers,curbs. Anything could have helped it along. You do need to make sure your top shield is still mounted right though.

 

One thing you can do is place that lower shield back in place & fit steel hose clamps around the whole thing to hold it in place. I've done that & it lasted for a few years before a "proper" repair was needed.