Most people don't realize that a bumper plays an important role in road safety so it's important to fix any problems with it straight away.
Most people don't realize that a car's front and rear bumpers play an important role in road safety, especially during collisions. It absorbs the majority of the impact from low-speed collisions, protecting you, your passengers, and your vehicle from serious harm and damage.
As a result, it's essential to keep your car's bumpers in good condition, which includes repairing even minor damage. Fortunately, there are several options for repairing scratches and cracks.
In this report, here is how to repair a cracked or cracked bumper easily on your own.
3 ways to repair a cracked plastic bumper
Cracked bumpers can be repaired using plastic welding, epoxy, bumper repair kits, or professional repair.
Plastic welding for bumper repair
Plastic welding forms a molecular bond between two compatible thermoplastics, providing strength and reducing cycle times.
Welding involves three main steps: pressure, heating, and cooling.
Plastic welding processes vary depending on the heating methods used. Common procedures include the procedures listed below:
- Hot air welding.
- Ultrasonic welding
- Radiofrequency welding
- Vibration welding.
- Laser welding.
Hot air welding is perhaps the most adaptable method. It works with most geometries, is long-lasting, and is less expensive than other methods.
Hot air welding uses gas heated by electric heating elements in a welding gun to melt and bond various components together.
Plastic welding of a car bumper usually costs about $300.
However, there are several factors that can raise the cost, including the extent of the damage as well as the setup, disassembly, materials, painting, and reassembly required.
Plastic welding works best with thermoplastic and urethane bumpers.
Repair the bumper with epoxy
Epoxy is a durable, high-performance adhesive that resists corrosion, making it an excellent choice for repairing damaged bumpers.
Epoxy repair usually consists of three steps: cleaning, mixing, and smoothing.
First, clean the bumper with a specialized solvent to ensure proper adhesion. Mix the compound and then use epoxy to repair the damage.
Finally, smooth and shape the epoxy to fit the bumper for a more organic look.
This method of repairing a cracked bumper requires a little time and effort. You can do this yourself by following the instructions on the epoxy. Epoxy is also long-lasting, making it a durable option.
An epoxy taping method for minor bumper cracks can cost around $100.
If you seek professional assistance, certain factors, such as the severity of the damage, materials, and labor costs, may cause the price to rise significantly.
Finally, choose a bumper repair epoxy specifically designed for bumper repair. Different epoxies are suitable for a variety of plastics and impact protective materials.
Bumper repair kits
Bumper repair kits include everything you need to repair bumpers and hoods. They typically include primer bags, pre-measured filler bags, and solvent wipes. The filler acts similarly to epoxy, providing flexibility for permanent repairs.
Using these kits requires repairing the cracks yourself. The process usually includes the following steps:
- Step 1: Using wipes, clean the inside and outside of the bumper to ensure proper adhesion. Make sure to remove any plastic fragments during the process.
- Step 2: In the affected area, use 80-grit sandpaper to smooth out any sharp or raised edges so the filler can adhere better.
- Step 3: Clean the area with a damp cloth.
- Step 4: Use masking tape to align the front and back of the bumper. Repair the backing first with the solution that bonds the filler to the plastic (if included), and allow it to dry.
- Step 5: Apply a layer of padding to the affected area, then cut the mesh to fit and place it over the damage.
- Step 6: Apply another layer of filler to cover the mesh before smoothing it.
- Step 7: Repeat the process on the front side of the bumper.
- Step 8: Once the fillers have hardened, finish the work with fine-grit wet sandpaper.
- Step 9: Apply two coats of primer and paint to the bumper and allow it to dry before applying two coats of clear coat over the paint.
Using bumper repair kits is convenient because you can solve the problem yourself. It is also less expensive than going to a mechanic.
Professional repair of cracked car bumper
The last option to fix a cracked bumper is to take it to an auto repair shop and have it checked by a mechanic.
Although professional repairs are more expensive than manual repairs, they are guaranteed and the repair process is done with a higher quality.
Auto repair shops offer a variety of options for bumper repair. Plastic welding and epoxy repairs are usually available, but bumper replacement is also an option if the damage is severe.
Aside from the guaranteed quality of work, seeking professional help allows you to check other blemishes. It's your chance to have an expert evaluate other issues, no matter how minor.
Of course, the main disadvantage of visiting an auto shop is the cost. Since you are paying for their time, expertise, and knowledge, expect the process to cost a lot of money, but ultimately the price of the repair is determined by the extent of the damage to the bumper, the size of the crack, and the materials used in the repair.
Also, if the bumper is completely damaged and you need to replace it, the cost will change completely and will become more, so the cost of repairing the bumper depends on its condition, the state of damage, and whether it will need paint after the repair process is completed.
Repairing the car bumper from the cracks or cracks that appear in it is important to protect you and your car while driving it, so be sure to solve any problem that appears in it quickly before it worsens and the cost of repair increases.