Repairing Minor Bumper Damage

Cars are equipped with bumpers to reduce impact and damage both to the car and its passengers. Once the car hits a road obstacle or other vehicles, the bumper receives most of the impact, and eventually, most of the damage. Do-it-yourself repair can be done to restore the functions of the bumper and to keep the car protected against collisions.

Bumpers are not fully metal. Almost all commercial bumper types are manufactured with thin plastic layer coverings, including polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane plastic rigid (PUR), and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPUR). Once the bumper is wrecked, the part most likely to be repaired is the plastic layer.

In well-off areas like Hollywood, there are a lot of auto body repair shops that can repair bumper damage, ranging from minor scratches to major dents. Many car owners in this busy city immediately resort to sending their cars to these shops for immediate repair. However, there are also some who choose DIY repair to avoid deductibles on their car's insurance for minor damage, such as damage on the bumper.

To repair your car's bumper on your own, it is important to place the car in a dry, warm place. Warm temperature is required to maximize the effects of the adhesives to be used. The repair can also be done in the garage if there's no available space outside, but proper ventilation must be maintained. Hollywood auto body repair professionals would not advise doing the repair in enclosed spaces, since adhesives typically release toxic fumes.

The repair can be easier if the bumper is separated from the car. Detach the bumper by removing the fasteners underneath the carpeting or under the fascia. Some Hollywood auto body repair professionals may also suggest other methods of removing the bumpers, because bumper attachment may vary with each car model.

Once the bumper is detached, look for the type of material that the outermost layer of the bumper is made of. Mechanics in any Hollywood auto body shop usually check the material indicated on the back of the fascia. Provide the exact name of the material at the paint store, to get the most appropriate adhesive to be used.