Hi all - first time posting here.

 

We have a 2021 Fabia, going in for its 10k mile service in a week or so. Yesterday, while out in the country, I hit a hare - it came over a hedge like a rocket and really couldn't be avoided. The plastic radiator grille is broken and the plate around the bonnet catch that secures the grille (what is that called?) is cracked, but the crack is barely noticeable. The polystyrene padding beneath that is crumbled on its front edge but is still in one piece, as far as I can tell. The radiator doesn't seem damaged at all.

 

The car is on a lease/buy deal from a Skoda dealer. I've never been in this situation before and am wondering whether I ought to replace the grille myself (it looks a fairly straightforward job) or let the dealership replace it when it goes in for the service.

 

If the latter, will the dealership charge an arm and a leg to replace the grille? Am I better off doing the job myself or even getting my local garage to replace it? Will the dealership know if I've done it myself? My g/f (it's her car) thinks she has to take it back to the dealership for all repairs as part of the deal she got. 

 

The plate around the bonnet catch just seems to be held on with three or four screws and send to hold the grille in place. If I remove those screws, does the grille simply lift out or do I have to start removing other bits, too? I can do straightforward remove/replace work as long as it isn't too complicated.

 

I'm a bit thrown by the deal she's got - I've never taken one of these out and don't really understand it. She can't really explain it to me and, from what she's told me, her insurance might not cover this, either. But I'm just trying to avoid unnecessary unpleasantness and expense, really.

 

Someone here must have been in a similar situation before - what did you do? How did it work out for you? All replies thoroughly appreciated.

 

Sorry it's a bit long. Thanks for reading to the end...

 

Zeb

14 hours ago, Zebideedoodah said:

The plastic radiator grille is broken

The one above or below the number plate?

Any photo's?

 

14 hours ago, Zebideedoodah said:

If I remove those screws, does the grille simply lift out or do I have to start removing other bits, too?

Not on the 2016 one. Tabs to release.

 

I have taken the lower one out on a 2016 Fabia after similar damage.

I bought the bits from my local TPS.

 

Thanks, AG Falco

Hi Thanks for the reply. It's the one above the number plate, immediately below the bonnet. I don't have a pic - bit too dark to take one now. I can do one tomorrow, though.

If it is like the 2016 one, there are several tabs at to bottom that need releasing ( from the inside ).

I found a flat bladed screwdriver helped to start the unclipping of the tabs.

 

Thanks, AG Falco