Should I Have My Bumper Repaired or Replaced?
If you’ve ever been rear-ended, you know that frustrating feeling of seeing your car damaged. Sometimes the collision damage is severe enough that you know you have to take your vehicle to a collision repair center, but other times it can be challenging to tell if your bumper needs to be replaced. Let’s explore below how to tell if can get away with only some car scratch repairs and whether or not you need bumper scratch repair as well or a completely new bumper.
Should I Have My Bumper Repaired or Replaced at a Collision Repair Center?
Several factors can help you evaluate if it is wiser to replace your bumper or just repair it. There are benefits to keeping your original as well as replacing it, which means you’ll need to weigh your options carefully.
Bumper Scratch Repair vs Bumper Replacement
Physical Damage
It goes without saying that if your bumper has shattered into smithereens, you’ll want to purchase a replacement. However, if your bumper only has a few dents and cracks, you may only need to have it repaired. In either case, the damage needs to be examined at a collision center to get an expert opinion on what needs to happen next.
If the collision has left a small dent or two in your bumper, those can usually be pulled out. Cracks pose more of a problem, depending on their size and location. When your bumper cracks, it can compromise the structural integrity of the entire bumper. This weakness means your bumper will not offer you as much protection in a collision.
Price
It’s always critical to balance the cost of repairing your bumper with buying a new one. If your bumper only needs a dent removed and a swipe or two of paint, the practical choice is to repair it. Alternatively, if your bumper needs reshaping, dent removal, and an all-new coat of paint, it will usually be more frugal to replace it.
Bumper Availability
If you drive an older vehicle or a discontinued model, it’s worth considering if you can find a bumper to replace your damaged one. Unfortunately, manufacturers stop producing parts for some older models, making finding what you need challenging. If your bumper is uncommon, having a bumper repair technician fix the original will make more sense.
Visit Your Local Collision and Car Scratch Repair Center
Driving around in a damaged vehicle isn’t just frustrating; it can be dangerous. Damaged bumpers offer little protection in an accident. They can also potentially fall off while driving, posing a hazard to you and everyone else on the road.
When your car is damaged, you need a collision center you can count on to look out for your best interest. Contact W&L Collision Center today for a free repair quote, and let us get your vehicle looking as good as new.
