Splash Guard, is that what they are called? The cover under the engine that has to be taken off during oil change. I'm honestly really scare of going for oil change because in the last few years, I had two incidents of this part partially unscrew and drag. I guess I should be happy that it didn't entirely fall off - maybe?

IDK if it is because my car is just old (my baby is part of the 2016 batch) or the staff didn't screw things on properly.

The first incident was one month after my oil change done by Walmart while I was on the highway, in a town I wasn't really familiar with. The stress was real. It was great that I stopped by Jiffy Lube to ask about auto shop near by as they had no customer and told me they can take care of it for me. God bless them. The second incident was early this year, later in the day after my oil change with Jiffy Lube in my town. I was just lucky that there was another location 2 blocks away where I stopped and explained my situation. I really do not want to go back to my dealer or an auto store to just get my splash guard re-screw, plus the cost too. The wait time - I'm dreading it. If I'm going back, should I mention it? What else can they even do to secure it? Or did it fall off because the screw were not properly fitted?

Anyone had similar incident and/or tip to prevent this?

 

The under cover is held in place by I believe 6 machine screws (at the front) and 2 (?) plastic push pins (at the back of the cover). It/s the plastic push pins which normally fail because they're not re-installed properly or after re-use they no longer hold properly. The plastic push pins should be replaced with new ones every single time the cover is taken off for an oil change or whatever. I replace them since I do my own oil changes and I have never had a problem. Most garages probably don't carry proper sized replacements or just can't be bothered and just keep re-using the old ones which guarantees a problem.

Since you don't do the work on your own car I world recommend removing the bottom cover completely and setting it aside with its hardware and driving the car without it. A number of people have done this. Your gas mileage might be slightly reduced (it smooths the air flow under the car), and, being open, the lower part of the engine compartment might get slightly dirtier, but other than that no big deal - and no more headache If you ever sell the car you can just have the cover put back on if you want.

 

I don't think a 2016 car is old. That's just capitalism talking. I've only owned three cars made after 2000, including my 2010 Fit acquired in 2020, out of the 15-ish I've had in my life.

The previous recommendation to remove the engine under cover completely will work. Alternatively, if you want to keep the under cover on you can purchase a supply of the appropriate plastic pins (and maybe a few spare screws as well) and keep them in your glove box. When you get an oil change hand two new pins to the mechanic and tell them you want them replaced when they reinstall the under cover.

My Fit is a different generation than yours so I don't know the exact part number for the appropriate pins. Maybe it's these?

https://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuin...4-TY2-A01.html

Hopefully someone with a GK Fit will reply and once you have a confirmed part number you can search online for the best price and/or buy in bulk if you plan to keep the car for a while.

There is a possibility that your under cover keeps coming off because it's damaged (likely from previous dragging incidents). In that case you can get it removed or get a new/used cover installed.

More generally, if you're not a DIY person I would suggest you find a reliable independent mechanic or use the closest Honda dealership for your oil changes and regular service needs. Either option will likely do a better job and be more likely to properly secure the under cover than a quick-change place like Jiffy Lube.

Think of an auto mechanic like a doctor for your car. You wouldn't want to go to a new doctor every 6 or 12 months as they wouldn't know anything about your health history or concerns. Why would you want to take your car to a new doctor each time it needs an oil change or service?

 

The push pins are fairly generic and available on Amazon from a dozen different sellers. However they come in different sizes and the important thing is that you need the size to fit the 10 MM holes in the Fit. Do a search on Amazon for:
"car push pin 10 mm". look closely because some of the ones they sell aren't suitable.

You should be able to buy these at the Honda dealer but they will be expensive.