Hundreds of thousands of bumpers are damaged each year across the United States. From minor parking mishaps to major collisions, the cost and severity of this damage varies greatly. In order to fully understand the complexities Bumper Repair Experts in Tempe AZ are faced with, it’s important to take a look at the bumpers themselves. Contrary to what many believe, they’re not just single, cosmetic applications on the front and rear of a vehicle.
Peeling Away the Layers of the Bumper
For the most part, bumpers are made of three major parts. On the outside is the bumper cover. It’s typically made of fiberglass or plastic and is the decorative, aesthetically pleasing part everyone sees. Underneath that is a foam pad designed to help the cover maintain its shape and absorb some of the impact in a crash.
Deeper down, you have the reinforcement. It’s the metal part bolted to the front of the car with brackets to strengthen the bumper and keep it in place. Bumpers on modern vehicles often have lights, sensors and other electrical components in place as well.
Digging Deeper
How much repair work will be needed after an accident and its cost depends on the type of bumper and the extent of damage. Surface scratches may only need light sanding and repainting. Some deeper dents may require replacement of the foam pad as well. Extensive damage typically requires full replacement of all three components of the bumper along with its electrical parts. In most cases, damage this serious extends to the fender, hood, quarter panel, trunk lid, head or taillights and other parts.
Alternate Situations
One exception to these general rules would be chrome and painted metal bumpers. They’re often single pieces with built-in reinforcements. Though some metal bumpers can be reshaped, repainted and made to look like new, chrome tends to show damage a bit more readily. In most cases, bumper repair experts in Tempe AZ must replace them altogether.
Bumper repair takes on many different forms depending on the age and type of vehicle, the type of bumper in place and the amount of damage it sustains among other factors. It’s not a one-size-fits-all industry by any means. Contact Ultimate Auto Touch-Ups to learn more or schedule a repair session.
