Bumpers

A metal or plastic body element placed at the bottom of a vehicle's front and rear body to absorb impact in the event of a collision with another vehicle. They act as a shield to protect vehicle parts, passengers and the driver in the event of a traffic accident or severe impact.

While bumpers used to be made of steel, they have been made of plastic since the 1960s/70s. It was General Motors that brought this type of bumper up to date. At that time, bumpers were used to absorb the energy of a collision without being damaged.

In terms of materials, metal is rarely seen today except on the oldest vehicles or large SUVs. Plastic is now widely used. The result is a part that is both lighter and more durable over time. The flexibility of plastic also reduces injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision.

However, it is also the shock absorber - located just behind the visible part of the bumper - that plays a major role in the consequences of a collision. The cheapest bumpers have a shock absorber made of polystyrene foam. While this material has good impact resistance, it is also very fragile and can deteriorate even without an impact.

Step 1: Clean your bumper

Start by cleaning your bumper with a cloth and a mild detergent. This will remove any contaminants that may make it difficult to repair the area.

Step 2: Treat the damaged area

Sand the area you want to treat. Then clean the area again with the cleaning product to help the putty absorb. Take the putty from the bumper repair kit, mix it with the resin and apply it to your bumper with a spatula. It's a good idea to apply several coats of putty for best results.

Step 3: Sand the repaired area

After allowing the putty to dry for the time specified in the repair kit instructions, you can sand the area with sandpaper. Repeat until the area is smooth and even. It should be flush with the bumper.

Step 4: Apply Primer

Clean the area again with your cloth and cleaner. Next, apply the primer to the repaired area, making sure to cover the surrounding area with a tarp. Each coat of primer should be applied and allowed to dry. You are then ready to repaint your bumper.

In the front. They have openings for the headlights and sometimes for the grilles. They may also have washer jets for the headlights, as well as air intakes for the intake system, brakes, and other units. They can be fitted with a special apron to increase downforce at high speeds.

At the rear. These bumpers have openings for the rear lighting units. They protect the car in the event of a rear-end collision with a moving or stationary vehicle.

Chrome bumpers on cars must be cleaned regularly to maintain their luster and shine. You can do this yourself. Pour hot water into a bucket and add detergent. Choose any type of soap you like, as long as it's not abrasive. If you're cleaning the outside of the car, a detergent made specifically for car bodies is ideal. Then use a sponge to scrub all the dirty areas. An old toothbrush with bristles that aren't too hard will help you get into hard-to-reach places. Dry with a dry cloth.