# 4Runner Hood Protector - 1997 **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** toyota, 4runner\ **Created:** [January 15, 2011, 2:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/4runner-hood-protector-1997/59971 "2011-01-15T14:14:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![hgmd007](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/54ee81/32.png) [@hgmd007](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hgmd007)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2011, 2:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/4runner-hood-protector-1997/59971/1 "2011-01-15T14:14:58Z")
My 1997 4Runner has a plastic hood / air foil / spoiler that runs across the front of the hood, presumably to divert air flow. Carwash just broke it. Should I try to replace this thing? ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2011, 2:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/4runner-hood-protector-1997/59971/2 "2011-01-15T14:20:29Z")
If you can get money from the carwash just put it in your pocket and forget the spoiler. If the carwash won’t pay for a spoiler then forget the spoiler anyway. ---
**Author:** ![UncleTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e9a140/32.png) [@UncleTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UncleTurbo)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2011, 2:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/4runner-hood-protector-1997/59971/3 "2011-01-15T14:35:34Z")
The plastic spoiler has no impact on mpg. It simply keeps rocks from chipping the paint on the hood. With a '97 I think you can live with a few nicks on the hood. Check with an auto parts store on the cost to replace it. It should be easy to remove the broken one and put on a new one, likely a DIY job. Perhaps the car wash will remimburse you for part of the costs of a new one, but most carwash’s state up front that they are not liable for damages to trim.