When does a bumper have to be replaced?

Question

What determines whether a front plastic bumper needs to be replaced instead of just repaired after an accident? In other words, if the damage appears to be on the surface only, can the scratches just be touched up and repainted? Does it matter if it is a chevy, saab, or volvo?

Answer 1

I will translate the previous poster's answer into English. It is obviously a professional! He means that if your bumper will not longer take

an impact and protect your car it is time to replace it. If you have

been in an accident the bodyman or estimator can usually look under

the bumper and tell from examining it where or not the material which is behind the bumper has been damaged to the point it should be replaced. If not then they will just touch up and repaint it.

Answer 2

Scratches on a plastic bumper can be touched up or repaired like any other painted surface.  If you are doing this yourself be sure to get a flex additive for the paint so it will bend with he plastic and not flake off.

If the bumper has a tear, it can be repaired through a process of plastic welding.  Often this is done at a specialty shop that specializes in repairing bumper covers.  However many small shops may have this ability as well.

Two badly damaged bumpers can even be made into one good one using proper repair methods.

If the foam under the bumper cover is crushed be sure to replace it as well to retain the shock absorbing quality of the bumper.

Mike

http://www.mikestrawbridge.com

Answer 3

hi... if its a chevy truck,, replace with a winch . others, just retouch..

Answer 4

If its badly torn or distorted then its a new one. Relatively minor rips and buckles can be repaired. Some places dont like to repair plastic bumpers as it is time consuming. They prefer to paint a new one and shove it on.

Answer 5

the brand does not matter , the level of damage to the bumper skin is the deciding factor. if the actual bumper behind it is damaged, then more tan likely the visible part of it will need to be replaced. that plastic is hard to touch up. but if you look online you can find some of the parts for cheap.  

Answer 6

If the integrity of the bumper has been compromised to the point that it can no longer fully function within the required specs, then it needs to be replaced instead of repaired. So it is its ability to do what it is meant to do which is the determining factor. If it is under par before repairing it and repairing it can bring it back to par, then repairing it is a viable option. Otherwise it is not.