Certain dings and dents are bound to occur if you own a vehicle long enough. Our team at Harr Collision Center is happy to help with any repairs your vehicle might need, from touch-ups to bumper replacements. But when does a bumper need to be replaced? When does it begin to impact performance and safety?
We have the answers for you. So, before booking a visit to our shop near Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, MA, you can learn a bit about bumper repairs.
Replacing Your Bumper: The Bumper Is Noticeably Damaged
There are certain instances when it will be obvious that replacing your bumper is the right call. At the top of the list are any bumpers with large gaps or holes in their surface. These types of injuries can influence both the safety and performance of the vehicle. Scratches and little dings or dents won’t necessarily require a replacement, though.
Another tell-tale sign is a bumper that is drooping off the vehicle or is easy to shake or jiggle in place. Both occurrences might suggest that the bumper fasteners are warped or malfunctioning, which could mean the bumper itself might fall off. This is another scenario where getting into a service shop quickly is the right call.
Replacing Your Bumper: Your Vehicle Sounds or Performs Oddly When Driving
If the bumper of a vehicle is damaged to the point of requiring replacement, it’s possible, and often likely, that the bumper will behave oddly at various speeds. If there’s a hole in the bumper or it isn’t fastened to the model properly, you may hear unusual wind noise or rattling in the front of the car.
Because the bumper also plays a role in a vehicle’s aerodynamics, a damaged one may result in a slight decline in fuel economy, handling stability, acceleration, or other performance characteristics.
Replacing Your Bumper: It Doesn’t Pass Inspection
Still on the fence about your bumper and whether it needs to be replaced or not? The easiest and most accurate way to determine this is through an inspection. You can book a visit to our shop online, for example, and our certified technicians will be happy to look over the model.
If the bumper doesn’t pass inspection or significantly affects the model’s performance, we can work on replacing or repairing it.
The replacement vs. repairing decision is important, too. In certain instances, we may be able to simply repair the bumper without having to install a new one. Making this determination requires an inspection, however.
FAQs
Can I keep driving with a damaged bumper?
In some cases, yes—but it depends on the severity of the damage. Minor cosmetic issues may not immediately affect drivability, but a loose, cracked, or misaligned bumper can become a safety risk and should be inspected as soon as possible.
How long does a bumper replacement usually take?
Bumper replacement time can vary depending on the extent of the damage and parts availability. In many cases, the job can be completed within a few days after inspection and parts ordering.
Can a bumper be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes. Minor cracks, dents, or paint damage can often be repaired.* An in-person inspection is the best way to determine whether repair or full replacement is the right solution.
We Can Replace Your Bumper for You
If you’re quite certain you need to replace your bumper, look to our Harr Collision Center facility. If you’re unsure whether a bumper replacement is the right choice for your model near Auburn, Shrewsbury, and Worcester, Massachusetts, contact us with your questions or arrange for an inspection.