While some things may be made to be broken, bumpers are definitely made to be… bumped. Indeed, the bumper is usually the first part of your car to get damaged in a collision and, if everything goes according to the plan, the only one.
It is because bumpers are originally designed to make the most impact, to absorb and disperse the kinetic energy from the collision and therefore protect the car’s main body.
For most drivers, a damaged bumper is more of an aesthetic issue. Therefore, if the looks are not the main priority for you at the moment, you may not want to head straight to a body shop after your bumper gets damaged.
However, modern car manufacturers often place various detectors and sensors into the bumpers. Their damage may not only affect your driving experience but cause a severe issue in the car’s overall electric system.
That is why even if the damage looks minor, it is always best to take the car to a body shop and have your bumper checked before you get back on the road.
Do I repair or replace a damaged bumper?
In most cases, the bumpers` damage looks worse than they actually are. Most scratches, bents, or even small dents can be fixed at a body shop without having to replace the whole part entirely. However, if the damage has affected any sensor placed in the bumper, the mechanic will also run a thorough scan of the system and have to deal with the possible issue.
If the collision caused a crack or even a hole in your bumper, you would probably have to replace it or, in other words, buy a new bumper and have it installed in a body shop. A professional mechanic will also make sure that the paint job matches precisely, all the sensors are connected correctly, and run a system scan to ensure that the car is safe and ready to go back on the road.
How much does it cost?
The cost will not only depend on whether you prepare or replace the bumper entirely. There are many other factors that will affect the final bill that you will receive from the body shop:
- The size – a bumper from SUV or a pick-up truck will be more expensive than the one from an urban sedan;
- The material – plastic bumpers are the cheapest, while metalwork will take more time, effort, and therefore money;
- The complexity – if we are talking about new models with lots of sensors, detectors, safety lights, and other details, the bumper fix or replacement will definitely cost more.
When we talk about bumper repair or replacement, the price may vary from several hundred to several thousand. Make sure to discuss all the details of the upcoming treatment with the body shop not to get any unpleasant surprises at the cash desk afterward.
Who and where can fix a bumper?
Let’s be fair; sometimes, the damage looks minor, and it may seem like a DIY video from YouTube can be an answer to your trouble.
However, it is a very dangerous mindset, especially if you don’t have too much experience in car repair and don’t know thoroughly what kind of wiring, sensors, or detectors may be placed inside the bumper in the damaged area.
That is why no matter how tempting the DIY solution may seem, it is always best to take your car to a body shop and have a professional mechanic deal with the damage.
Contact OHS Body Shop whether you have a crack on your bumper or need thorough diagnostics and routine maintenance for your car. Our branches are located all over Montana’s Greater Flathead Valley, in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Polson. Here you will find qualified mechanics and various high-quality services and products to make sure that your car is safe and comfortable to drive all year round.
