Bumpers aren't just attached to your car for looks; they're key components of a vehicle's body. While their construction may seem simple and straightforward, there is more to these essential protectors than what meets the eye. If your bumper has been damaged in a collision, before you head out to the auto body shop, check out this guide to bumpers and their purpose. 

How Bumpers Protect Your Car

The bumpers on your car exist to absorb impact during a collision. This involves more than the parts of the bumpers you can see. Beneath the visible metal cover, modern bumpers contain a reinforcing bar. 

Around that bar are layers of compressible foam or plastic. This material allows at least a five mile per hour collision to occur with no damage to the bumper at all. As the speed of the vehicle increases, so does the force of the potential impact and the likely damage to the bumper.

When to Repair vs. Replace the Component

Deciding whether a bumper can be repaired or not isn't easy for non-professionals. Some types of damage look severe enough to require a replacement but can be easily repaired, while others appear mild and cannot be fixed. 

Generally speaking, minor dents and scratches can be fixed, while major paint damage, large dents, and twisting will require purchasing a new bumper. It's impossible to be sure which route to take without consulting an auto body shop for an assessment.

If you need auto body repairs, you can count on Collision Masters in Fairbanks, AK. These helpful experts are known for going out of their way to provide exceptional customer service whether you need a simple wait time or a ride home. You can visit their website for an update on the status of your vehicle repair or call (907) 451-8456 for more information.