The bumper on a car is for more than displaying stickers and adding colorful style. Since the early 1900s, vehicle manufacturers have added front and rear bumpers to help protect the engine, radiator, suspension, and other parts from low-speed collisions. Of course, in these cases, the bumper takes the brunt of the impact to protect the rest of the vehicle. When the bumper suffers damage, it will be far less effective in future incidents. It can also hurt the car’s resale value or make future insurance claims more problematic. Adjusters may try to avoid paying out by blaming you for not getting the bumper fixed when you should have.
This leads to the question of whether you fix the bumper yourself or bring it to an auto repair shop. Like other vehicle repairs, the answer depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage and how confident you are in your DIY abilities. In this guide, I’ll go over the reasons for repairing or replacing a vehicle bumper, the basic processes for each, and when to leave it to a professional.
When to Repair or Replace a Car Bumper
The first step is determining whether bumper work is necessary. Here are the reasons you should consider repairing or replacing your bumper:
- The bumper has at least one crack, split, or dent, which weakens the component and increases the likelihood of further damage.
- The hooks and fasteners holding the bumper on are damaged or broken, which also compromises the structural integrity.
- The bumper is visibly compressed from an impact and thus won’t be able to absorb further forces.
- Any sensors or cameras built into the bumper for driver assistance systems are damaged.
- The bumper has several paint scratches or chips, which don’t affect the performance but are a visual eyesore.
I should note that on modern vehicles, what most people think of as the bumper is really a plastic bumper cover concealing the metal bumper bar underneath (though some vehicles still have classic metal chrome or tube-style outer bumpers). Both pieces play a role in protecting the vehicle, and damage to each should be taken seriously. For this discussion, though, I’ll talk about the bumper cover and refer only to the bumper bar as needed.
DIY Bumper Repair
A bumper can usually be repaired if the damage is minor. This includes paint scratches, one or two small cracks, and tiny dents or dings. Fixing scratches can be approached in much the same way as a normal car paint touch-up. Since you’re working on plastic instead of metal, you’ll need a special primer formulated to stick to plastic. You may be able to buff minor scratches out using a mildly abrasive plastic polish and microfiber cloth.
There are a few options for small cracks and dents. One is to fill them using a plastic adhesion promoter and epoxy resin. Another is a plastic weld kit, which heats the edges of the crack until they melt and fuse back together. For both methods, you will need to mask off the damaged area and clean it, apply the repair materials, and then sand and paint. Some experts also recommend drilling small holes on either side of the crack to prevent further damage as you work. For small dents, you can also slowly heat the area, then use a dent-pulling tool on the outside or gently push them back from the inside with a rubber-tipped dowel. For interior bumper access, you will need to remove the fender liner and/or lower valance. Removing the entire bumper cover is also an option.
DIY Bumper Replacement
If your bumper has a large crack, several small cracks, deep dents, missing hooks, extensive paint marring, shock compression, or other serious issues, replacing the bumper is the more effective option. In these circumstances, it will be difficult or impossible to restore the bumper’s original strength. The repair would likely require removing the bumper anyway, at which point it’s easier to install a new one. Removing the old bumper can also help you see if there’s hidden damage to the bumper bar, frame, or other components.
Start by purchasing a replacement bumper that matches the factory paint color. (You may need to get it painted to match, which a body shop can do for you.) To remove the damaged bumper cover, put the vehicle in park, open the hood, disconnect the battery, and locate the fasteners that hold the bumper to the engine bay. They are usually on the sides and sometimes hidden under a trim cover. The vehicle repair manual will have more information. Depending on the vehicle, you may also need a screwdriver, trim removal tool, and/or socket wrench to remove the cover and fasteners.
Next, remove the fender liners so you can remove the bumper’s bottom fasteners. Take the old bumper off and switch any connected accessories (signal lights, grilles, etc.) to the new bumper. Snap the cover into place, confirm it’s properly aligned, and reattach the fasteners in the reverse order of how you removed them.
When Should You Go to a Repair Shop?
My rule of thumb is that the more extensive the damage and the more accessories integrated into the bumper, the more willing you should be to let an auto body or service shop handle the job. Most entry-level DIYers can handle basic repairs. Larger repairs and replacements, though, require some experience, confidence, and patience.
Modern vehicles with accessories like fog lights and sensors attached to the bumper cover add another wrinkle. Even if you feel comfortable replacing the bumper, you may be uncertain about switching lights around or connecting wires. A service technician will cost more but has the knowledge, training, and controlled environment to ensure a high-quality result. Plus, most reputable service centers have some sort of guarantee on their work.
How Much Does Bumper Repair and Replacement Cost?
A minor repair such as a scratch or small crack is an inexpensive DIY fix. Several companies sell OEM color-matching paint kits with primer, clear coat, and other items depending on the kit. I recently purchased a “complete” kit containing an applicator set, polishing compound, tack cloth, and nitrile gloves for less than $50 in total, including shipping. Plastic welding kits start in the $20-25 range at auto parts or home improvement stores and dent repair supplies range from under $10 for a basic puller tool to $50-80 for a comprehensive kit. The main investment will be time to let the various primer and paint coats cure.
As for major damage, some shops can repair certain punctures and large cracks for $300 to $500, while replacing the sensors ranges from $500 to $1,900. The car will likely be out of commission for a day or two on top of that. If you’re buying a new bumper, it can be anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the vehicle and the complexity of the design. Replacing the old bumper should take an hour or two. (You can see why replacement is often a better choice than major repairs.) To do any repair or replacement, you’ll need an enclosed place to work on the car, such as a garage, or nice weather to do outdoor work. Professional installation of a new bumper will be in the neighborhood of $200 to $600.
Bumping Up Your Car Care
Repairing or replacing a car bumper may seem like a hassle, but addressing the problem will save you more serious and expensive repairs later. If you have a free Saturday, a place to work, and a little know-how, you might be surprised at your ability to remedy a decent amount of bumper issues yourself. That said, there’s no shame in going to a professional shop for added peace of mind, especially if you have the budget. However you go about bumper repair and replacement, remember that the sooner you get the bumper fixed, the better.