Heat Shields

That UTV is packing a lot of power into a small space, and no matter how fancy your new model is, that means HEAT, and lots of it! Stock UTVs include minimal heat management, leaving riders to suffer through sweltering cabs or risk component damage from excessive heat exposure. Side by Side Source carries a full selection of UTV heat shields and thermal barriers that address these issues, from reflective wraps that redirect radiant heat away from sensitive areas to complete protection kits that shield your entire underbody and cab from heat infiltration.

loading count

loading pagination

Filter

FILTERS

Buyer's Guide for UTV Heat Shields: Helping You Shop!

Understanding Heat Problems: Radiant vs. Conductive vs. Convective Heat

We’ll keep the 3000-level chem lecture to a minimum, but in all seriousness, it is really important for you to understand that not all heat is created equal when shopping for UTV heat protection accessories. One kind that we’re all intuitively familiar with is “radiant heat,” which is the kind that travels through the air (like when standing by a fire).

Conductive heat, on the other hand, comes through direct contact. This is why your better UTV heat barriers are made with insulating layers. Finally, convective heat comes from hot air moving around.

Most UTV heat problems involve all three types simultaneously, which is why comprehensive heat management often requires multiple approaches: reflective shields near heat sources, barrier insulation on surfaces that could contact hot components, and improved ventilation where practical.

Materials and Construction: What Actually Works

Heat shield effectiveness depends entirely on the materials used and how they're applied. Aluminum-faced reflective barriers reflect up to 97% of radiant heat when properly installed. They work best when there's an air gap between the shield and what you're protecting. The air gap prevents conductive transfer while the reflective surface handles radiant heat. Common materials include DEI Reflect-A-GOLD and similar products used in automotive and aerospace applications. They're thin, lightweight, and dramatically effective for radiant heat, but do nothing for conductive heat if directly contacted.

Composite insulation gear combines pairs of reflective materials on the outside with insulating materials like fiberglass or foam to manage both radiant and conductive heat. These are thicker and heavier but provide more complete protection. They're what you want for areas where hot components might contact the shield or where you need maximum thermal barrier. Heat wraps (exhaust wrap materials) cover hot components themselves, containing heat at the source.

Strategic UTV Heat Shield Placement: Where to Protect First

You can't shield everything (nor should you, because some heat dissipation is necessary for component cooling), so prioritizing the most critical areas delivers maximum bang for your buck. Under-seat and firewall areas are the first priority for cab comfort. These areas separate your hot engine compartment from the passenger area, and shielding them makes the biggest difference in cab temperature. Turbo'd machines especially benefit from firewall insulation since turbos generate tremendous heat right against that barrier.

Bed floors and sides near exhaust systems need protection if you're hauling anything heat-sensitive or if your exhaust runs close to bed surfaces. Melted plastic bed liners, warped bed floors, and damaged cargo are all symptoms of inadequate bed heat shielding. Plastic body panels and fenders near exhaust components benefit from shielding to prevent warping and melting. This is especially important on machines where routing places exhaust close to the bodywork.

You may not think it at first, but actually, electronics and wiring are surprisingly sensitive to heat. Shielding areas where wiring runs near hot components prevents premature failures. Fuel system components (fuel pumps, fuel lines, filters) can develop vapor lock or other heat-related issues if exposed to excessive temperatures. Shielding these areas prevents hot-start problems and fuel delivery issues.

3 Top Selling Heat Shield Brands

Design Engineering Inc (DEI) manufactures comprehensive thermal management products used in racing, automotive, and powersport applications with proven effectiveness.
HMF Racing produces heat shields and exhaust components with an understanding of where heat problems occur and how to address them effectively.
UTV Inc offers model-specific heat shield kits engineered for popular UTV applications with pre-cut pieces for straightforward installation.

5 Top Selling Heat Shield Products

Protect your entire machine with this Bodywork Protection Kit by Design Engineering, featuring multiple heat shield pieces designed to address common problem areas comprehensively.
Handle extreme heat situations with this Extreme Heat Barrier by HMF Racing, engineered for high-temperature applications where standard solutions aren't enough.
Can-Am Commander owners get model-specific protection with this Under Bed Heat Shield by UTV Inc, designed to prevent bed damage and reduce heat transfer into cargo areas.
Address RZR 800/800S heat problems with this UTV Heat Shield Kit Large by Design Engineering, featuring comprehensive coverage for common trouble spots.
Protect exhaust and muffler areas with this Offroad Muffler/Exhaust Heat Shield Kit by Design Engineering, designed specifically for off-road applications where heat and component proximity create challenges.

Heat Shield Frequently Asked Questions

Do UTV heat shields really cut down on cab temps?

Yes, quality shielding in the right locations makes a dramatic difference; we're talking 20-30°F temperature reductions in many cases, transforming an unbearable cab into something tolerable. The difference is most noticeable on turbocharged machines or in hot climates during summer riding.

How tough is it to DIY a UTV heat barrier?

In most cases, so long as you have basic hand tools and attention to detail (and patience!), it’s really not that bad at all.

What about trapped heat? Can a UTV heat shield damage components?

Only when installed incorrectly. Otherwise, they are designed to direct heat away from all sensitive components. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully!