Bumpers are not just cosmetic additions to make cars look enticing. For most vehicles, they house sensors and other important wirings. Secondarily, bumpers protect the front part of the car. When involved in a front-facing accident, the chances are high that your bumper may be affected. Some accident effects may be cosmetic, while others may be much more. The decision to remove your bumper before it is repaired, according to Honda dealer Salina Kansas, depends on the extent of the damage.
Ahead of your visit to the dealership, auto mechanic, or auto collision center, here are some of the common damages your vehicle’s bumper may suffer. We have also gone the extra mile to guide you on whether you may need to remove it or not during the repair.
Repairable Bumper Problems
These bumper problems are usually repairable and may not require detaching them from your vehicle.
Scratches
Bumper scratches are common among car owners. Even the best drivers sometimes find their bumpers scratched due to bad decisions from them or other road users. This problem is often cosmetic and surface deep, which means it can easily be repaired by painting over it or polishing.
In instances of deep scratches or chipping, you may need to contact your auto repair technician for appropriate advice. Some deep scratches may require removing your bumper for repairs or replacement.
Small dents
Dents happen from time to time. It can either be due to parking in tight spaces, bumping into another car, or solid objects. Whatever the cause of the bumper dent, it may be repairable if not extensive.
However, you may need to replace the entire bumper if such dents leave large tears, huge holes, or other damages. Your auto repair and collision body repair professional may be able to patch smaller issues of this nature.
Looseness
Bumpers can come loose or out of alignment. This is usually caused by bumps or impacts that aren’t too much to cause extensive damage. Your auto repair technician doesn’t need to remove the bumper to fix this problem, especially if looseness is the only issue to address. However, they may need to remove your bumper for repairs or replacement if other extensive damages have occurred.
Bumper Problems That Require Replacement
Some bumper problems cannot be fixed or patched. In most cases, extensive damages call for drastic measures like bumper replacement. Below are some of the common bumper issues that warrant a replacement.
Large cracks and holes
Large cracks and holes in bumpers may be caused by extensive force from hitting an object or animal. Huge cracks are possible if you’ve run into a solid structure, a deer, or other large animals at considerable speed. Holes may be due to contact with sharp objects or blunt solid structures. Irrespective of the cause, you may need to replace your bumper to address this problem effectively.
Gluing the cracked bumpers may be a temporary solution, but it isn’t advisable. The glue may come off at any time. The glue may also affect your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
Broken hooks and fasteners
Bumpers are held in place by hooks and fasteners. Intact hooks and fasteners keep your vehicle looking in prim and proper shape, while broken ones can cause looseness and misalignment. A few damaged hooks and fasteners may require little fixes to get them aligned and in shape. However, a badly damaged set of hooks and fasteners may be irreparable.
Bumpers with extensive damage to their hooks and fasteners may require a total replacement job to return the vehicle to its pristine look and condition.
Major paint damage
Chips and dents are common bumper problems. However, deep scratches leading to major paint problems can greatly affect the car’s value. For such problems like this, your auto repair technician may need to remove the bumper to carefully fill the cavity and apply a new paint job on the affected area.
For extensive damages, your auto repair or collision expert may suggest a full repaint of the entire bumper. Repairing the bumper as a whole ensures paint uniformity and can further improve your vehicle’s appearance.
Large dents
Large dents can leave your bumper looking jagged and tattered. This problem may require complete removal and replacement, especially if you wish to maintain a pristine aesthetic appearance on your car.
Replacing damaged bumpers ensures increased integrity and strength of the bumpers. It also guarantees that the sensors and wires lodged within them are properly protected to ensure a smooth, functioning vehicle.
Repairing or replacing your bumper depends mainly on the type of damage and the extent of it. Car owners should contact their auto repair experts to get an idea of the best line of action.