My SC just wore a groove in the hood insulation and I drove it like that for like 2 years...then a squirrel came along and ripped it to shreds to make a nest in my blower fan (not the SC...the heater/AC blower).

I started up my VX and thought the blower fan bearing was shot when I heard "squealing" from under the dash...pulled it apart to find 4 dead baby squirrels inside. Removed the remenants of insulation and never did replace it. Thought the insert & hood paint would take a beating but have noticed no ill effects worth mentioning.

Now for the last year + I have a garage to keep flippin beasties out of my VX!