About 29% of Pennsylvania accidents in 2019 were people hitting a fixed object. These are the most frustrating because they happen when you least expect it and aren’t paying attention.

Now you have a damaged bumper that degrades the look of your vehicle. What you need is car bumper repair to fix the dent or crack.

This guide will show you how to repair your bumper and improve the look of your car.

Repair or Replace a Car Bumper

Before you decide to repair your bumper, you need to assess whether or not it’s worth it. It’s best to take your vehicle to a reputable auto body repair shop for an assessment.

They will know how to repair a car bumper and whether or not it’s worth attempting a repair. Consider replacing your bumper if the crack is large. The bigger the crack, the more structural integrity the bumper loses.

If there are deep scratches or scratches throughout the entire bumper, it’s more affordable to replace than repair.

Cracked Car Bumper Repair

Modern bumpers are typically made from plastic or fiberglass. You can repair a car bumper crack if your bumper is made out of either of these. Metal bumpers require a bit more skill and tools that make them more complicated to repair.

Clean and Prep

Start by cleaning your bumper, so it’s free of dirt and grime. Then use an angle grinder or cutting wheel to clean up jagged plastic and excess fiberglass hairs. Smooth and straighten the edges as much as possible.

Finish with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface. Then use a dust rag or air compressor to clean away the remaining dust.

Repair the Crack

If you have a fiberglass bumper, patch the area with fiberglass sheets and resin. Layer the sheets until you’ve built up a solid layer. Then sand it smooth.

For a plastic bumper, tape the crack together on the front. Apply Bondo to the backside, pushing it through to the front, so it fills the remaining gap. Allow the body filler to dry and cure, then sand the front smooth.

Paint

The final step is to clean the area and tape it off for painting. Apply three to five layers of primer, allowing plenty of drying time between each. Then apply the color paint on top.

Dented Bumper Repair

If you have a small dent that didn’t result in cracks or paint loss, then you can try popping the dent back out. You may be able to take care of small dents at home, but let a professional handle this repair for the best result.

Remove any splash guards so that you have access to the backside of the dent. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the dented area and make it more pliable. Use a dent repair kit to either suction pull from the front or push the dent from the backside.

Have Your Car’s Bumper Repaired

If you accidentally hit a fixed object or someone else hit your car, you don’t have to drive around with a damaged bumper. Car bumper repair is a simple process that can have your vehicle looking like new again.

Contact our shop and have your bumper damage repaired by a reputable and affordable shop.

Of all the accidents in Pennsylvania, 8,385 were sideswipe collisions in 2019. These are crashes where two vehicles collide, and both sides of the vehicles come into contact with each other. This can happen when the vehicles are traveling in the same direction or in opposite directions.

Sideswipe accidents can be especially upsetting because they cause a large amount of damage over the outside of the vehicle.

This guide will help you stay calm by knowing what to do after a sideswipe accident.

Safety First

The first priority is to ensure that everyone is safe and not injured. Check both the people in your vehicle and any other vehicle that’s involved in the accident. If possible, safely move your vehicle out of the path of traffic.

If anyone needs medical treatment, you need to call 911. This will call EMT services to the scene so that injured parties can get immediate medical care.

Report It

The first step is to report the accident to the authorities. A police officer will come to the scene of the accident and create a report. You’ll need this report to submit to the insurance companies.

Pennsylvania law requires that you report within 5 days if the accident wasn’t investigated by the police at the time of the accident or it results in death, injury, or severe vehicle damage.

You’ll also need to report the accident to the insurance company. File a claim with your insurance company and give them a copy of the police report.

Arrange for Repairs

Your sideswipe car accident probably caused a lot of damage that extends down the side of your vehicle. This can result in your not being able to drive your vehicle. Arrange for an auto body service to come and pick up your vehicle.

Look for a reputable service that can provide you with an accurate estimate, communicate with the insurance company, and arrange for a rental car. This makes the repair process simple, getting you back on the road faster.

Speak With an Attorney

It can help to speak with an attorney after your accident. They can explain your rights and possible claims. They can also represent you when negotiating with the insurance companies.

This ensures you get the settlement you need for necessary vehicle repairs and medical treatment. Sideswipe accidents can be tricky because there’s a possibility for debate about who is liable. A lawyer can fight for your rights and hold the liable party accountable.

Have Your Vehicle Fixed After a Sideswipe Accident

No one wants to get involved in an accident. However, sometimes sideswipe accidents happen. You shouldn’t drive a vehicle that has any kind of damage.

Arrange to have your local Limerick, PA auto body shop tow and repair your sideswiped vehicle. You’ll be able to drive with confidence in a car that’s affordably and correctly repaired.

Contact our shop today and arrange for the repair of your vehicle after a sideswiped or any other type of accident.