Black plastic under-car shielding near front jack/hoist points...
 

...which is smashed on my car.

Dealer rep. told me there is a special trick to putting an Audi on a hoist or jacking without destroying this shielding. Too bad I didn't know to tell tire store this until after the fact. (I assume it was them, but who knows??)

Question: what is the function of this? Does it protect against corrosion? If not, why have it there at all? Can it be removed? Expensive to replace?

I have never seen it on any other car...but then I haven't seen fuzzy wheel liners, either :)

Marc

I think it does a few things.
 

Protects againgt road debris. Provides good aerodynamic flow which helps with fuel mileage, stability, and noise reduction. And, works as sound insulation.

What's the special trick, Marc?

Re: I think it does a few things
 

Sounds like it should be replaced then...

Ask your dealer--they didn't reveal the trick to me, just that there was one

Mine was craked while pulling the car up onto the flatbed and guess what is uderneath one of them
 

The brake line,,at least that is what the dealer told me. There are two small plastic pieces right where the tow hooks (holes) are, one on either side. Underneath the plastic piece on the driver side is a hard tube or pipe, I could see it and feel it becuase the plastic shield broke off. They told me it was the brake line and that it was not damaged?????

Be very careful when pulling the car from underneath and not the tow hook in the front or back.

Yes.

The jack points are at the side of the car...where the front doors meet the fenders...
 

is that where you are referring to? How could that area get damaged going onto a flatbed?

The manual shows exactly where to place a jack/hoist...never touches the shield.