The lower splash shield is held in place by two plastic side wall cowlings with four aluminum "star washers". Whenever mechanics work on the new beetle, whether dealer or oil change shops, they tend to pull down on the shield and dislodge and damage the star washer fingers. This results in one or both of the side wall cowlings drooping and the splash shield rubbing on the pavement. The washers can be bought from VW for 50 cents each and swap out very easily. I just wish that the dealer mechanic would take the time to replace them after he has worked on the car, rather than return it to me with the splash shield dragging on the ground. You might want to pick up about a dozen of them and keep them on hand.

- author unknown

The splash guard seems to give some protection to the the timing belt,
which can be very costly if it fails (interference engine).