Heat Shields & Wraps
About Heat Shields & Wraps
Heat shields and wraps keep exhaust heat away from parts that should not get it: plastic, wiring, fuel lines, seats and the rider's legs. This is a real issue on tightly packed side-by-sides, which is why this category lists heat control kits made for the Can-Am Maverick X3 and the Polaris RZR. It also lists exhaust wrap in rolls, adhesive aluminized heat barrier sheets, and stainless heat protectors.
Choose by the job. Exhaust wrap is wound around a pipe to hold heat in and lower the surface temperature, and is sold by width and length, such as 1 or 2 inches by 50 feet, in black, black titanium and tan. Wrap can trap moisture against a mild steel pipe and speed up rust, so follow the maker's instructions. Heat barrier and heat shield sheets are sold by size, such as 18 by 18 inches or 36 by 36 inches, and go on the surface you are protecting, such as a floor or panel. A heat shield sits between the pipe and the part. Check that the product is rated for the temperature at its spot.
Brands in this category include DEI, Helix, DRC, ISC and S&S Cycle. For a machine-specific kit, pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. The pipes themselves are in Exhaust Pipes & Tips and Manifolds & Headers, and Exhaust System Kits covers complete setups. The full group is Exhaust & Emission Systems.
FAQs on heat shields and exhaust wrap
Does exhaust wrap really keep heat in?
Yes. Wrap insulates the pipe so less heat radiates to nearby parts, and it holds heat in the pipe. The trade-off is that it can hold moisture against the metal and shorten pipe life, so choose it for a reason, and follow the maker's instructions.
What is the difference between exhaust wrap and heat barrier?
Wrap is a tape that winds around the pipe itself. Heat barrier is a sheet or panel, often with an adhesive back, fitted to the surface you are protecting, such as a floor, firewall or bracket. Wrap treats the source, and barrier treats the target.
How much exhaust wrap do I need?
Measure the pipe length you plan to cover, and remember the wrap overlaps itself as it winds, so you need more than the pipe's length. Wide rolls cover large pipes faster. Listings give width and length, such as 2 inches by 50 feet.
Is a heat control kit made for my side-by-side?
Kits here are listed for machines such as the Can-Am Maverick X3 and Polaris RZR, so compare the model and year. A machine-specific kit is cut to fit its panels and mounts. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder to confirm.
Will a heat shield stop burns and melted parts?
It reduces heat reaching a part, but it does not make a surface cool. Keep wiring, fuel lines and plastic clear of the exhaust, use a shield rated for the temperature, and let the exhaust cool completely before touching it.
