For car bonnets that are looking a little banged up and maybe not even functional, you may be wondering if it’s worth getting it repaired or if it’s better just to replace it. You’ll find that there’s a fine line between when it’s necessary to repair a bonnet or just get it replaced, but in this article, you’ll find some factors to consider before making your decision.
When it comes to choosing to repair bonnets for cars vs replacing them, you’ll need to consider the state of the bonnet first. Bonnets that have minor dents or scratches with some faded paint are usually more cost-effective to repair than to replace. However, when there’s structural damage or excessive rust, the bonnet might need to be replaced.
What to consider before deciding
Deciding to replace your bonnet vs repairing it isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of forethought before you make your decision. Here’s what we’d consider before choosing either option:
1. What condition is the bonnet in?
You may be sitting in this very situation at the moment. If so, the first thing you want to do is assess your bonnet’s condition. The bonnet, also known as the hood, is often the first thing people see from the front of your car. Its primary function is to protect your engine and other important components of your car from getting damaged by debris or the weather. In addition to that, it also aids in your car’s aerodynamics.
By assessing the condition of your bonnet, you’re looking for anything that hinders it from operating in its primary role. Look for any surface damage like signs of fading paint, sun spots, scratches, or dents. You might also want to check that its still structurally sound and not warping or bending in some areas. Finally, test it out and check that it’s still functioning well.
2. Price
The price is probably going to be one of the major deciding factors between the two. In most cases, repairing your bonnet is going to be cheaper than having to buy a whole new bonnet. That said, this isn’t always the case. Some issues are more complicated and don’t warrant going through all the trouble to make the repairs. Instead, replacing the parts is the more practical answer.
When it comes to repairing minor issues like scratches or dents, it might set you back a few hundred dollars. Again, this depends on the extent of the repairs. Remember, when you hire someone to fix your car, you aren’t just paying them for the parts but for their labour, too. Thus, the larger the repair job, the more you’ll pay. Now, newer parts are understandably more expensive. They’re also easier to use because the mechanic simply needs to remove the hold parts and add the new ones. So, when you have minor damage, repairs are the way to go. But, if repairing it will cost a similar amount to getting a new one, then replacing it is wiser. You can find bonnets for cars right here!
3. The extent of the damage
The level of damage to your bonnet will be one of the clearest indicators of what decision you need to make. Understanding what conditions might require a replacement and what might need repairs might help you save money.
When it comes to things like scratches and paint damage, these issues are easy to repair and don’t warrant a replacement. For the scratches, you could get a scratch repair kit and fix it yourself if you’d like. The same goes for small dents. When the dents cause structural problems, like hindering the hinges of your bonnet from moving, then you might need a more serious repair or a replacement.
Rust and corrosion are tough to get rid of. If you catch rust on your bonnet early, you can always have it removed and repaired quite easily. However, this doesn’t mean that it won’t come back. Unfortunately, if there’s excessive rust throughout the bonnet, you might need to replace it to avoid it spreading.
4. The availability of parts
If you take a closer look at your car, everything lines up perfectly. Small accidents or bumps can misalign body parts in your car. While this might not seem like such an issue for some people, it can pose a safety risk. Often, when one part of the car is misaligned, another is also. In this case, repair might be a bigger job than you expect, and if it’s not possible, replacing this is where it’s necessary to replace the bonnet and other parts affected, which would be your next step.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, if the damage is minor, then considering the costs, the ideal option would be to have your bonnet repaired. However, when the damage is severe, you’re better off just having it replaced.
