Different Types of Bumper Damage

There are several different types of bumper damage, and many of us may be unfortunate enough to become familiar with all of them. Scuffs, dents, scratches, and even the entire loss of a bumper may be something you have experienced. Some may even feel confident enough to fix their own bumper due to how often they have damaged their bumper. But for those who haven’t, the first time may be scary. Even those who have experienced it once or twice before may still feel nervous about approaching the solution. This fear is largely due to a lack of knowledge. An understanding of bumper damage and repair will help alleviate this fear and prepare you to handle the situation confidently. This article will discuss the various types of damage to bumpers, as well as their repairs.

Types of Bumper Damage and Their Repairs

There is no need to list how many ways a bumper can get damaged. Enough of us have either experienced it or can use our imaginations. But of all the ways you can think up, they will all result in up to five types of damage. Those types are superficial, tear/puncture, dent, compression, and possibly sensor. Each different type of bumper damage is dependent upon the nature of the accident, and also on the type of bumper.

Superficial

Superficial damage is usually the most common type and includes things like scratches and scrapes. In these cases, it is usually just a paint issue and the structural integrity of the bumper is not compromised. Your service technician will likely do little more than smooth the damage over and reapply paint.

Tear/Puncture

Tears and punctures in your bumper happen at higher speeds. As the name implies, the bumper is either impaled by a narrow object or torn by a sharp object. Cracks due to a collision can also be considered tear/puncture damage. This type of damage is more difficult for a technician because it can’t be repaired. Rather, a plastic bumper cover replacement is needed. A cover that matches your car’s make and model will be picked out and painted to match your car. Once replaced, it will look brand new.

Dent

Of all the different types of bumper damage, dents are the most universally recognizable. They are also the most concerning to many because they don’t know how dents will be repaired. It is a common fear that the entire bumper will need to be replaced. But in reality, a dent can be fixed with a little heat and pressure. And if necessary, a little paint to finish the job.

Compression

With a more severe collision, usually on more modern cars, the interior of the bumper can get damaged. Inside modern bumpers are shock-compressing materials and brackets that are intended to absorb some of the impacts of a collision. With a serious accident, these materials can get damaged and need to be replaced.

Sensor

Some newer bumpers are equipped with sensors. These sensors detect the location of other cars, and in collisions, they can get damaged. Some sensors are also triggered in auto accidents and aren’t necessarily damaged, but need to be reset. A proper bumper repair, in this case, would require fixing the broken sensors and resetting the triggered ones too.

Front Bumper Repair vs Replacement

When you do end up with a busted bumper, you will need to decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced. The choice between front bumper repair and replacement can be tough because it depends on several things. It of course depends on the severity of damage done to the bumper. You also need to decide on who would be repairing it, whether it would be yourself or an auto body shop. And of course, price is always a consideration. Figuring out whether or not it would be cheaper to repair or replace the bumper is an important factor. In reality, there are nearly as many factors to consider as there are different types of bumper damage!

In the end, it will likely come down to the repair/replacement costs compared to the quality of the bumper that you will receive. Chances are, you may end up paying more for a bumper replacement, but the quality will be top-notch. A repair will likely cost less, but the quality (and thereby the safety) will be up in the air. If you can get away with a low-cost repair that will give you a good quality bumper, you may choose a repair. It won’t hurt to check with your insurance agent either to see what your deductible is. Depending on what caused the damage, you may be able to file an insurance claim and have a majority of the damage covered. But you may only want to pursue this course if it is an expensive repair. Of course, it is important to keep an eye out for repair scams. But otherwise, a replacement might be a better bet, especially if safety is your top priority.

Best Way to Fix the Bumper of a Car

All in all, the best way to fix the bumper of a car depends on a number of factors discussed. Unfortunately, there is no magic solution or trick. It takes careful consideration and weighing of options. Understanding the different types of bumper damage, however, is the first step toward knowing the best way to fix the bumper of a car. When you understand what the damages mean and how severe they are, you can get an idea of the repair cost. Being able to compare the repair and replacement costs is crucial. What may be a bit more difficult, however, is knowing what quality the repair will be. If you are unsure, safety should always be your top concern, and therefore you shouldn’t settle for diminished quality. FitParts provide parts often exceeding OEM standards that don’t compromise on quality. And so, if you are hesitant, choose a quality product that will exceed expectations. Choose FitParts.