Things You Should Know About Car Bumper Cover
What Is Bumper Cover?
A bumper cover is a part which is made by
utilizing either plastic or fibreglass which would go directly over the bumper.
They are the plastic or fiberglass covers which is generally referred to as
bumper by the people. A lot of abuse is generally suffered by the car bumpers
and they damaged or dinged.
Where Bumper Cover Is Located?
The structure of bumper is generally attached
to or integrated with the front and rear ends of a motor vehicle, so that it
can absorb impact in a minor collision.
Material Used in Bumper Cover
There are combinations of materials with which the latest bumpers are made up of. Have a look at top 13 high performance plastics which are utilized in the automotive hardware.
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyurethane (PUR)
- Poly-Vinyl-Chloride (PVC)
- ABS
- Polyamide (PA, Nylon 6/6, Nylon 6)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- POM (polyoxymethylene)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Acrylic (PMMA)
- PBT (polybutylene terephthalate)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)
Bumper Covers Vs Air Dams:
It can be very confusing to decide what exactly
a bumper cover is, but they are very similar to air dams, which are also
fittings for automobiles. Generally, the difference is that the bumper cover
would fit over the entire bumper, while the air dams would fit below the actual
bumper. There are some bumper covers which are generally equipped with air
dams, which would give the driver the benefit of both without purchasing them
individually. There are some bumper covers which are generally equipped with fog
lights and
mini grills, which would match the larger grills on the automobiles.
Important Features Of Bumper Cover
Do you want to know the essential features of bumper cover? Then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below to know the important features of bumper cover:
- There are a lot of benefits by adding a bumper cover to your vehicle. First of all a bumper cover is added to the protective elements of the bumper, which would affect both the parts of the automobile which would be near the bumper and the passengers in the vehicle. An easy as well as cost-efficient way to dramatically change the way your automobile looks is possible with the bumper covers. The bumper covers which would include the fog lights would help the car drivers to see better in dimly lit areas and on dark back roads.
How Do Bumper Cover Work?
Are you searching how do the bumper cover actually work? Then all you have to do is to have a look below and then you will be able to understand everything.
- An external component which would house the bumper is the bumper cover. There is a metal bumper inside this cover which would be protected by the shock-absorbing material. It is the bumper cover which would dissipate the force of the impact on the front as well as the rear of the automobile during an event of a collision.
- There are features like grilles in the bumper covers which would allow proper ventilation for car parts which would be under the car hood. There are moulded air dams into it so that the aerodynamics can be improved. Other than circulating cool air, this part could also act as a barrier which would protect the car engine from dirt as well as debris on the road.
- The bumper covers are installed by the car owners so that the vehicle’s aesthetics can be improved by it. It is a quick as well as cost-effective way with the help of which you can update the look of your automobile. The car bumper cover can also be utilized to close off the gaps or openings in the front of your car so that it appears sleeker and more streamlined.
Purpose Of Bumper Cover
The vehicles which are designed to help absorb
the shock of a collision are known as car bumpers. It would protect the
passengers inside the vehicle and at the same time the individual parts of the
car like the grill, fender, taillights and headlights are also
protected by it. The bumper cover strengthens the shock absorbency as well as
protective features of the bumper itself.
Aesthetic Purposes of a Bumper Cover
Aesthetically, the bumper cover would dress up
the bumper, which would make the front and back of the automobile appear more
finished and sleeker. There can be some automobiles, where the bumper might be
unattractive, sticking out too far and also appear too large. If you would
apply the bumper cover, then it would make your car look more attractive while
the bumper as it would still be there to protect the vehicle's parts and
passengers.
Frequent Problems With Bumper Cover
Do you want to know some frequent problems which might start occurring in the bumper cover? Take a look below to know some frequent problems with the bumper cover:
- There can be some minor scratches and dents on the car cover
- Issues related to car collision
- There might be scratched bumper
- Damages might be caused to the car bumper
Tools Needed For Bumper Cover
If you want to repair your Bumper Cover all by yourself, then let’s face it that you will need some auto body tools. You can always start by building your own tool chest. Searching for some tools needed to repair your Bumper Cover? Don’t Worry! We are here to help you out. Here are some common tools that you will probably end up needing while repairing your Bumper Cover.
- Sandpaper (different grit sizes)
- Plastic squeegee
- Body filler
- Wax
- Grease remover
- Masking tape
- Primer
- Paint
Top Brands For Bumper Cover
Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for Bumper Cover which would offer safety and at the same time decrease the risk of disappointment.
Related Parts Of Bumper Cover
Till now you must have understood what car Bumper Cover actually is, but still are you thinking that what are its associated parts? So, let’s just dig out what its components are: -
Total Costs & Repair Times, Effort For Bumper Cover
- The first question which comes in the minds of most people when they see some faults in the Bumper Cover is that how much would its replacement cost? The reality is that unless and until a professional technician would look at your car, it is going to be a difficult question to answer because the overall cost would depend on a lot of factors. The first and foremost thing on which it depends is the size as well as type of the Bumper Cover. The other factors like is the replacement of the Bumper Cover going to be brand new, used, rebuilt, or remanufactured play a major role in deciding the total cost.
- When a bumper requires a new coat of paint, costs are relatively stable. Unless your bumper needs a luxury coat of paint, a repaint should run anywhere between $150-$300. The only expenses accompanying a repaint are labor costs and the paint itself. If you are willing to take the time and care necessary to repaint your bumper, there is a good chance it’s worth the time. The cost of the paint needed to repaint a bumper probably will pale in comparison to the labor costs entailed by having a repair shop do it for you.
How To Change Bumper Cover?
Do you want to change your bumper cover on your own? Then have a look at the steps of changing the bumper cover below:
Step 1
120-grit sandpaper should be utilized to sand the damaged area of the cover. The area should be sanded until it's smooth. If there would be a dent, then you should sand the entire dent, which would include the inside it and around its edges.
Step 2
Then the next step would be to get the flexible body filler. A squeegee should be utilized to apply a thick layer of the filler over the faulty area. The dents, holes, and tears should be filled with the filler and it should be made sure that the filler should go inside and all over the surrounding areas. The filler should be left to dry for one hour.
Step 3
Then a 120-grit sandpaper should be used to sand the filler smooth. Just make sure that you should sand until the filler would be completely flushed with its surrounding areas. Again you should sand it to so that the rough spots can be smoothened by the 120-grit sandpaper. The surface should be wiped with wax and grease remover. Then carefully place the masking tape and paper around the area.
Step 4
After that primer should be sprayed around the repaired area. Just make sure that you spray from about 6 to 8 inches using left to right strokes only. The primer should be allowed to dry for 30 minutes then sand the repaired area with 220-grit sandpaper. The surface should be wiped with wax and grease remover.
Step 5
Three to four thin coats of paint should then be applied. You should then spray from 6 to 8 inches using left to right strokes only. It is essential to wait 10 minutes before each coat of paint. Then three to four thin coats of clear coat paint should be applied by using the same technique as the colour paint. The masking tape and paper should be pulled around the surrounding area so that it does not stick.