If you are like a lot of vehicle owners, a failed engine part or component will lead you straight to the auto parts store in your location to pick up a replacement so you can attempt a DIY repair. While it is true that a lot of engine tasks can be tackled on your own without the help of a mechanic, too many times a DIY repair will result in a few small fasteners, parts, or pieces left out—especially rubber grommets.

These little rubber rings may not look like they are all that important, but in all actuality, they can be incredibly important to the functionality of a specific part. Here is a quick look at why you should never neglect a rubber grommet when performing engine work on your car.

Rubber grommets may be necessary to protect delicate wiring. 

The engine of a vehicle is a complex system, filled with hot surfaces and sharp metal edges. Because of this, wiring passing through certain areas of a vehicle could be left vulnerable to damage if there is no protection in place. It is not at all uncommon for auto parts that involve wiring to come with rubber grommets, which are supposed to be used in some way to protect the wiring. Therefore, pay careful attention to where the grommets are supposed to go because using them could be detrimental to wiring protection. 

Rubber grommets are often used to give a tight seal. 

When you screw or bolt a fastener in place, it may look like it has a tight seal, but it truly does not, and in some areas where pressure and fluid control is important, not having a good seal can be a huge problem. If you have grommets included with something like a carburetor, for example, they will be used to keep pressurized air from leaking around hardware, so make sure you use the grommets accordingly.

Rubber grommets may be necessary to prevent damaging friction. 

Moving parts in an engine can get to drastic temperatures as it is, but especially if friction is involved and the moving parts are metal. For this reason, rubber grommets are often used to prevent the heat-causing friction from expanding to such a degree that a metal part could be at risk of warping. So not using an included rubber grommet when installing a moving engine component could lead to further engine damage for sure.