Signs Your Bumper Needs To Be Replaced, Not Repaired
If your vehicle has been involved in a fender bender, one of the questions that you may have for an automotive collision repair center is whether the bumper can be repaired or whether it needs to be replaced. In some cases, small dings or dents can be pulled out of a bumper and minor scuffs or scratches can be touched up. Here are a few of the key signs that your bumper needs to be replaced, not just repaired.
The Clips Holding the Bumper Are Broken
If you were to remove your bumper from the frame of the automobile, you would see that there are clips or hooks. These clips or hooks attach to the brackets on the body of your automobile and hold your bumper securely in place. When your vehicle is involved in a collision, these bumpers or clips can become bent or broken. Bent clips may be able to be shaped back into place, as long as the structure of the clip is not weakened. However, if the clip is weak or the clip or hook is broken, the bumper will need to be replaced. The brackets may also need to be replaced if they have been damaged in the accident.
Cracks Are Present on the Bumper
Decades ago, bumpers were made from metal materials. These days, most modern bumpers are made from thermoplastic olefins. Thermoplastic olefin is a blend of plastic, rubber, and either carbon fiber or calcium carbonate. This material, combined with the foam behind the bumper, absorbs the shock and better protects you if someone hits your car from behind. The downside to this material is that if it cracks during an accident, there is no way to fill in or repair that crack. The only option is to replace the bumper.
The Bumper Has Deep Scratches, Gouges, or Dents
The final sign that a bumper needs to be replaced is a bumper that has deep scratches, gouges, or dents. You cannot use a filler material on a bumper. As such, if the scratches or dings cannot be buffed out and touched up with paint, or if a dent cannot be pulled out, the only option is to replace the bumper.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell simply by looking at your automobile if a bumper needs to be replaced or if a repair can fix it. A professional automotive collision repair shop can take a look at your bumper and help you determine if repair or replacement is warranted. Visit a collision repair shop today to have your vehicle inspected and obtain an estimate for repairs.
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