If you’ve been eyeballing all the scratches and dings that have accumulated on your car’s bumpers, you have probably wondered if you need to get the bumper repaired or replaced.
Different types of damage require different treatments. Some bumper damage will only require some repairs while other types of a damage demand a full-on replacement. Here’s how to know which your vehicle is going to need.
A Cracked Bumper
If your bumper is cracked, it will likely need to be replaced instead of repaired. Epoxy and a fiberglass repair kit can take care of some smaller cracks, but getting the bumper replaced is a better idea when you have any sizable cracks. Cracks cause a loss of structural integrity for a bumper, so when you take it to the car wash, it could get damaged even more.
Plastic Bumper Repair Kit
If you have a plastic bumper, there is an easy, do-it-yourself repair solution that you can use. A plastic bumper repair kit typically includes everything you need to repair a crack in your bumper, including sandpaper, primer, colorants, and a clear coat. The first step is to clean the area with soapy water and then dry it completely with a rag. Then use the included sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges around the crack before applying the primer and colorants. Finally, apply two coats of clear coat to protect your finished product from UV light exposure.
If You Have Painted Metal Bumpers
For painted metal bumpers that have been cracked or dented in an accident, you will need to call in the professionals for help. The first step is to determine whether or not there is any rust present; if so, it will need to be treated before any repairs can be made. Once that’s done and any dents are removed from the metal surface, the next step is repainting it with an exact match paint color so that your bumper looks like new again. Make sure you hire an experienced auto body shop for this job because they will have access to professional tools and paint-matching technology for the best results.
Replace Your Bumper Altogether
In some cases where your bumper has suffered severe damage (such as multiple cracks or deep gouges), replacing it altogether may be your only option. If that’s the case, make sure you buy replacement parts from a reliable source such as OEM Parts Co., who offers quality aftermarket parts at competitive prices. Depending on what type of car you have and if it has been modified previously (e.g., aftermarket accessories added or customizations made) then finding compatible parts may be difficult — make sure you consult with an expert before making any buying decisions!
Extensive Paint Damage
Does your bumper have a ton of paint damage? If so, you might need to consider just replacing it. With a ton of paint damage, the bumper would have to be sanded down to make it level. A filling compound might be required for evening the surface out, plus you will have to find the exact paint for the bumper so you can repaint it. If that sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is. Hence why it might be better to have a professional replace the bumper.
Broken or Damaged Hooks
Are the hooks holding the bumper damaged or broken? If so, you definitely need to think about replacing the bumper. Hooks are important since they help the bumper adhere to the splash guard, valance panel, and grille. The bumper can start to fall down or come completely off when the hooks are broken. Depending on the state of the hooks, you may need to replace the entire bumper. However, in some cases, you may be able to repair the bumper.
Step 1: Remove the Hooks
The first step is to remove the broken or damaged hook from your bumper. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, this may involve simply unscrewing the hook with a screwdriver, or you may need to remove additional parts in order to get access to the screws that hold the hook in place.
Step 2: Clean and Prep
Once you’ve removed the hook, you’ll need to clean off any dirt, rust, or other debris that has built up over time. Make sure all surfaces are free of any foreign material before moving on to step 3!
Step 3: Install New Hooks
Next, install new hooks by following the same steps you used when removing the old ones. If necessary, use a drill and screws specifically designed for plastic applications in order to secure the new hooks into place. Make sure they’re securely fastened so they won’t come loose while driving!
Getting Repairs/Replacements Professionally Done
Bumper repair is something you might be able to do by yourself, especially if the damage is quite minor. A lot of people choose to do the work themselves but end up with less than satisfying results. Plus, repairing a busted bumper still takes a lot of time and money.
Get Your Bumper Fixed Today
Consider getting your bumper replaced. Here at Touch Up Pro, our mobile body-shop comes to you! We specialize in scratch and dent repair, and our touch-ups are totally undetectable. If you’re in the Mesa, AZ area and need some bumper work done by professionals, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
