So yeah, that access panel flap to the oil filter and drain plug is missing. It’s been gone for many years, and I don’t know which technician yoinked it off and didn’t tell me. Anyway, how much is that affecting my MPGs? Would it be worth it to replace that entire body panel ($190)? I wonder if there’s a way to fabricate just that section that is missing.
Just from that, you might lose about 1/50 of a mpg at interstate speeds. In other words, you won't notice a difference. And no effect at city speeds.
I still have mine, and it irritated me every time I change the oil, enough so that I built a high enough pair of ramps to allow it to swing fully open. My usual floor jack couldn't get it high enough to get it the heck out of the way.
I made mine removeable to avoid that problem. The original configuration seems as though they deliberately planned to make DIY oil changes difficult.
The plastic of that panel is too thin/brittle to act as a hinge. More of info in oil change link in my signature.
