Repair or Replace Your Bumper After a Collision

Here are some examples of when bumpers are repairable and when they need replacement. Additionally, learn why you should have the work done and what other components may have damage due to a damaged bumper.

In some instances, repairing a bumper, instead of replacing it, is a better choice. Here are a few examples of when repair may be feasible.

Most scratches are removable or easily painted over even if the scratches are fairly large. However, if your bumper paint has excessive chipping or deep scratches, then repair may not be possible.

Small to moderate dents are repairable as long as they have no large tears, holes, or damage to other parts of the bumper. Professionals perform the repair process by pulling out the dent and fixing any paint damage afterward.

If the bumper is loose or out of alignment, then you may be able to fix it as long as all the fasteners and hooks are intact. However, if further damage is on your car's body, then you must address that first.

In some cases, the bumper needs full replacement even if it appears that the damage is minor. Here are some mandatory reasons for replacing your bumper.

While small dents and cracks are repairable, large tears often aren't. Even if you tape up or glue these large holes together, they weaken integrity of the bumper.

If the hooks and fasteners are intact, then you may be able to reattach the bumper. However, once the fasteners are broken, then they are useless and you likely need to replace the bumper.

Paint damage that covers a large portion or multiple portions of the bumper is not easily fixable. The best option is often to remove and replace the bumper instead.

Large dents may be difficult or impossible to repair properly and still retain the strength and integrity of your bumper. Also, the amount of time and labor involved makes this repair a less economical choice than bumper replacement.

In addition to the previously mentioned safety and integrity issues, more reasons exist for why you should repair your bumper.

One big reason is if you plan to sell your car in the near future. A damaged bumper is a turn-off to buyers who may wonder about the severity of the accident that caused it.

If you leased your car, instead of purchasing it, then the loss of value from the dent will likely be a charge against you when you turn in your vehicle.

If the front bumper has damage, then sensors and lights will also be damaged. Your grille could have damage as well as the radiator behind it. If the rear bumper has damage, then this could impact the taillights, reflectors, and cameras. If the collision was severe enough, then you may also have suspension, frame, and tire damage.

If you were involved in a collision where your bumper was damaged, have a mechanic check your car out as soon as possible. Bumpers are important in protecting your car, and driving around with a damaged one could put your car at risk for more serious damage in a future collision.

Coats Auto Body & Paint will examine your car to check for other damage before repairing your bumper. Call us or bring your car in to have it checked out.