Should You Repair Or Replace Your Car Bumper?

In the unfortunate event that the bumper of your car is damaged or if you’ve been in an accident, it’s key to have it seen to as soon as possible. Minor issues can be repaired with quite a short turnaround time, but more significant damage may lead to needing to replace your car’s bumper altogether. A technician will advise on whether you should have your bumper repaired or replaced depending on the extent of the damage.

Minor scratches, bumps, dents and chips are easily repairable with specialised tools and equipment from an auto body shop. Thereafter, the technicians will spraypaint or blend the repaired areas using colour matching so that it is the same as the rest of the vehicle. 

If the hooks and fasteners haven’t been broken from the impact, you might be able to just reattach the bumper. But, if the fasteners have been broken, they are considered useless and the bumper will probably need to be replaced.

Having a bumper replaced is more likely to be recommended if there are deep cracks and holes. Even if these are taped up or glued together, they eventually weaken the integrity of the bumper. And, the extent of time and labour required makes this a less economical option than just replacing the bumper.

But, new technology is exceptionally good, so be sure to have a professional advise on which is best before going ahead and spending a significant amount of money on a brand new bumper when you didn’t need one. Rather schedule an appointment at a trusted auto repair shop and have your car bumper evaluated.

Why You Should Get Your Car Bumper Repaired ASAP

Unfortunately, when a car is in a minor crash and the bumper suffers cosmetic damage, it’s not always very high on the owner’s priority list to get it seen to and fixed right away. But, having your bumper repaired early can be beneficial for various reasons:

• If you just leave scratches and scuffs neglected, selling your car can become difficult. When a potential buyer sees the unkept outside, they will probably make the assumption that the car has further, even worse problems hiding on the inside. A scruffy body can put buyers off buying the car and decrease its resale value. Not only will the new owner have to spend money when they buy the car, but they will have to fork out extra money to fix it up, too.
• You should have bumper repairs done as soon as any damage takes place in order to reduce the likelihood of ‘shape memory’ occurring. This happens when dents become stubborn and the longer you leave them, the harder they become to remove. If they are left too long, a repair may no longer be possible. In that case, a whole new bumper will have to be fitted – which will be more expensive than having done the repairs weeks ago.

What is the Bumper Repair Process?

A particular process is typically followed when performing car bumper repairs to ensure that they are done professionally and efficiently. It’s good for customers to know exactly what’s going into their bumper repairs so that they can understand what they have been quoted for, and be assured that no shortcuts have been taken along the way.

• Step 1: A qualified technician will assess the damage done on the car bumper to ascertain what repairs are needed and to what extent.
• Step 2: They will then provide you with a quote. It’s up to you if you want to go through your insurance, but keep in mind the price of what your insurance excess is in comparison to the quote, first. In most cases, the repair quote will cost less, plus going through the workshop directly is quicker so you’ll have your ca back and its bumper will be repaired in no time at all.
• Step 3: If you’re happy and you have decided that you would like to go ahead with getting your car’s bumper repaired, a technician will start the process by removing any paint transfer.
• Step 4: If there are any dents, they will be removed from your car’s bumper using different tools and specialised techniques.
• Step 5: Next, the technicians will sand down the bumper and then repaint it. A technique called paintless dent removal is often used on non-plastic bumpers.
• Step 6: As a final step, a sealing clear coat will be applied for a robust and professional finish. Your bumper’s new paintwork will be protected from the weather thanks to this outer seal.
• Step 7: When the technician is happy with all the bumper repairs that have been performed, your car is officially ready for collection and you will be contacted to do so. If you are satisfied with everything, you and your care are all set to go. 

Why You Need A Trusted Auto Body Repair Workshop

Having to navigate life without your car is a nuisance, so it’s worthwhile going to a repair shop that’s trustworthy and offers speedy bumper repairs. Look for a workshop that has experienced and qualified technicians and up to date and modern machinery – this usually implies professional and efficient service. An important question to ask is whether the workshop provides a warranty. If anything goes wrong, you want to ensure that you’re covered. 

Car bumper repairs that are minor can take as little as 2-3 hours. As a result, prices shouldn’t be unnecessarily high. This is why it’s worth it to shop around and get a few free quotes before making any promises and approaching your insurance. Remember, the repairs may cost less than what your insurance charges for excess, and if you claim, you’ll lose your no claims bonus. 

Bumpers that have dents and minor scratches can be rectified with a relatively quick and inexpensive fix. A trustworthy technician should never suggest replacing your bumper with an entirely new one if there are only minor damages. This is also why it’s important to compare prices and eliminate any outliers.

Final Thoughts

Only a professional technician should advise you on whether you need bumper repairs or replacement. They will make this decision depending on the extent of the damage that has been done.

The longer you leave dents and scratches, the more costly they can be to repair in the long run.

Shop around and compare quotes before choosing an auto body repair shop. You want to be assured that you’re paying competitive rates – and that they’ll do a good job.