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.