Is it necessary to replace the hood with an original one?
2 Answers
Generally, if the hood is damaged due to scratches, minor cases can be handled by having the repair shop use automotive putty for simple sanding, followed by repainting and waxing the affected area. For more severe cases, the entire hood can be repainted without the need for a complete replacement. Relevant information about hood replacement is as follows: Introduction 1: From a used car perspective, replacing the hood may cause depreciation, but the impact is not significant. The main reason for depreciation is that the hood is not original. Introduction 2: Additionally, simply replacing the hood does not greatly affect the vehicle's performance or its overall condition. Therefore, while it may lead to depreciation, the extent of this depreciation is not severe.
As a regular car owner who often does DIY repairs, I believe there's no need to insist on OEM hood replacements unless your car is brand new or you have high standards. OEM parts are significantly more expensive, sometimes double the price of aftermarket options, but they do offer better quality and fit, ensuring tight seals that prevent water and dust ingress. Aftermarket parts are much cheaper, especially from reputable brands or certified manufacturers that use lightweight aluminum materials to improve fuel efficiency. However, issues like gaps after installation or eventual rusting may arise—for example, my old Volkswagen's aftermarket hood rusted after three years, while a friend's OEM one still looks new after five. The key is budget: if insurance covers OEM after an accident, go for it; for minor repairs out of pocket, aftermarket parts save money and hassle. Since hoods impact both front-end safety and aesthetics—being too heavy affects handling, while overly lightweight ones lack crash resistance—I recommend weighing your driving habits before deciding. For older cars, aftermarket hoods are practical enough.
