What Is a Bumper Cover?

There are many important parts to a car that help keep you safe and secure on the road, including bumpers and bumper covers. Your front bumper and rear bumper provide impactful protection during various road events you can endure that cause different types of bumper daamage. However, you may not know how these parts specifically function on a car. In this article, we’ll discuss what a bumper is, what a bumper cover is, and some of the materials used in bumper covers. We’ll also discuss how the front bumper cover and rear bumper cover function in their areas of a vehicle and the distinctions between a bumper vs. a bumper cover.

What Is a Bumper?

If you’ve ever driven or owned a vehicle, you likely know a little bit about what a bumper is and its general location on a car. However, you may not realize there’s more to the bumper on a car than meets the eye. There are two different types of bumpers; a front and a rear bumper. The front bumper is a plastic or metal part that protrudes from the lower front part of a vehicle. The rear bumper is similarly made of either plastic or metal and protrudes from the lower rear portion of a vehicle. Bumpers absorb the impacts inflicted on the front and rear sides of a car and minimize some of the damages of low speed collisions.

By effectively minimizing the damages of various low speed collisions, a bumper helps reduce the overall damage done to a vehicle by a collision. Bumpers appeared in the early days of automobile technology, if only for decorative purposes at this time. Later on, engineers saw their greater potential in preventing vehicular damages. After further design improvements, bumpers have come to be much more than aesthetic parts. Not only do they help reduce outside vehicle damages, but also effectively protect the passengers and other car contents. Some of the common materials that make up bumpers are heavy-duty plastic, rubber, and aluminum.

Bumper Covers

A bumper cover works as both an aesthetic accent and a safety feature on your vehicle, similar to a bumper. Bumper covers come in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs. There can be two bumper covers on a given car, similar to the number of bumpers that come standard on a vehicle. The front bumper cover sits over the front bumper, while the rear bumper cover sits over the rear bumper on a car. Bumper covers are commonly made of fiberglass or plastic. The colors and styles of bumper covers are specific to different types of vehicles. However, universal bumper covers are also available for a variety of cars.

In discussing bumpers vs. bumper covers, bumper covers function to help the bumpers provide safety and protection for the vehicle, passengers, and inner contents in the event of a collision, but their more direct function is to protect the bumpers themselves. Both the bumpers and bumper covers help absorb collision shocks. They also help protect certain parts of the vehicle, including the fender, grille, headlights, and taillights. Bumper covers increase the levels of shock absorbency. Aesthetically, bumper covers dress up the bumpers for a more sleek and finished look. Some bumpers can appear unattractive, too large, or as if they are sticking out too far.

Should I Have Bumpers and Bumper Covers?

The vast majority of jurisdictions require bumpers for protection and safety, but bumper covers are less standard. However, bumper covers provide many benefits in addition to increasing overall safety and protection. Bumper covers can also increase aerodynamics, which increases your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. In addition to the impactful benefits of having bumper covers, there are also a few different ways you can save money on the purchase and repair of your bumpers and bumper covers. Some of the top ways to save on purchases and repairs include replacing your own bumper, using aftermarket parts, and personally removing some dents and scratches.

Replacing Your Own Bumper

One of the top ways to save money on car purchases and repairs to more easily afford bumper covers, and experience the impactful benefits of having them, is to replace your own bumper. While the concept can be somewhat intimidating, the process of bumper replacement is fairly straightforward. It doesn’t need any special tools. Needed tools include Phillips screwdrivers, a flat blade, conventional wrenches, and a set of metric sockets. With these tools, the process of bumper replacement then consists of grille removal and mounting the bumper cover itself.

Using Aftermarket Car Parts

Aftermarket parts are another great way to save money on car purchases and repairs to afford bumper covers. Aftermarket parts are simply parts not sourced directly from a car manufacturer. The design allows these parts to be a cheaper option for the same parts. As for the quality, aftermarket parts are well worth considering instead of OEM as they can even exceed the standards of OEM car parts. A dealership may even cause you to pay more for equal or poorer quality. With FitParts, using aftermarket parts is a highly beneficial option.

Removing Dents and Scratches

You can also remove many of the dents and scratches on your bumpers and bumper covers yourself to save money on labor and parts. Many minor dents and scratches are relatively easy to fix with some home repair tricks. Some of the top home repair tricks for dents and scratches include using dry ice, boiling water, a hairdryer, or a plunger.

Saving on Bumpers and Bumper Covers

Bumpers and bumper covers provide impactful and highly worthwhile safety and protection for your vehicle, passengers, and internal contents. While bumpers are largely standard and bumper covers may be optional, there are many additional benefits to having bumper covers and there are some great options for saving on purchasing and repairing costs to more easily afford them and reap the rewards. For more car knowledge, beneficial ideas, cost savings, and quality service, connect with FitParts today.