If you’ve had the misfortune of a collision that crunched either the front or the rear of your car, you are probably getting estimates for a new bumper. As logical as that sounds, do you know for certain whether you need the actual bumper or just the bumper cover or both? Did you know there was a difference? Depending on the severity of the crash, your car may require less repair than you think. Or more. Bumpers and bumper covers are separate but integrated into a bumper assembly to give your vehicle its unique look as well as safety and protection on the road.
Modern bumper assembly
Most cars today have bumper assemblies consisting of several parts as opposed to the singular, big shiny chrome and steel bumpers of years ago that protected the front and rear of the vehicle. Modern bumpers serve not only for aesthetic design and aerodynamic improvement but also as shock absorbers made of energy-absorbing materials that reduce the amount of damage to vehicles and passengers in the event of a collision. Bumper assembly parts include:
The actual bumper: The bumper itself is a long, horizontal metal bar attached to the front and rear of the vehicle. Also called an impact bar, reinforcement bar, bumper reinforcer, crash bar, or tie bar, they are designed to absorb the bulk of a collision, protecting the engine, radiator, trunk, and other critical parts. Designed for function over form (meaning it’s not pretty), it’s hidden behind the bumper cover (which is pretty), front and rear.
The bumper mounting system: Bumper brackets are used to attach a bumper to the front or rear of a vehicle and hold it securely in place. These metal pieces attach to the front and sides of a car's frame. After an accident, they should be tested for integrity and replaced if damaged.
The bumper cover: The bumper cover, also called the front fascia, is what most people call the bumper. It actually covers the real bumper and gives the car it’s beautiful, distinctive look and shape. Generally of molded plastic or fiberglass, it’s designed to withstand weather, road debris, and minor collisions of up to five miles per hour without incurring any damage.
How bumpers protect in an accident
Modern bumpers are designed to absorb shock or impact at low velocity. Bumper covers and crumple zones in the front and rear of a vehicle are designed to absorb energy upon impact, creating a “controlled crush” which protects occupants from severe injury. The steel bumper reinforcement bar mounted on the front or rear of a car carries the heaviest load during a crash and helps minimize physical damage to critical components including the cooling and exhaust system, engine, grille, trunk, and hood in the event of a collision. Oftentimes, it’s just the bumper cover that crunches and requires replacement, but in a more serious accident, the bumper itself may be damaged, but not readily visible. Before jumping to the conclusion that it’s only the cracked bumper cover that was damaged, get your car carefully checked out to insure that all parts of the bumper assembly are still structurally sound.
Finding the right bumper replacement parts
If a dealer warranty or your insurance will cover bumper repair or replacement, that’s probably your best bet. If, however, you choose to do the repair yourself to keep the incident off your insurance or you have a trusted mechanic who can do the install, you can save money by purchasing used auto parts from LKQ Online. This includes replacement bumper, brackets, bumper cover, and surrounding parts that may have been damaged such as lights, grille, sensors, or turn signals. Searching for used car parts or new aftermarket parts by year, make, model, and VIN number will ensure guaranteed fit for the parts you buy. LKQ Online inspects all auto parts in their inventory and only sells high-quality, usable parts that are described online so you can shop with confidence.
Some things to be mindful of when shopping online for used bumper assembly parts or in a pick-your-part salvage yard:
Check for any cracks or breaks in the bumper cover.
Inspect the reinforcement bar (bumper) to see that it’s free of any breaks or warping.
Look for any signs of rust on the mounting system.
New aftermarket bumper covers are ready to be primed and painted to match your car or truck.
Used bumper covers will be the color of the donor car and require repainting to match yours unless you’re lucky enough to find one in your color.
Ask about warranty coverage for used auto parts.
LKQ Online is all you need to know for collision repair and high-quality OEM/OE used auto parts to repair your car, truck, or SUV. Easily shop for exterior replacement parts like bumpers, fenders, hoods, and side mirrors when damage or age has diminished your vehicle’s style. Explore our huge inventory or bumper components for your vehicle. Our nationwide locations receive new items every day.
With over 200 locations nationwide we have an extensive inventory of used car parts as well as affiliations with remanufacturers of used engines and transmissions and new aftermarket suppliers, so your choices are practically unlimited. We offer a free, industry-leading warranty, promise of guaranteed fit, lowest prices you’ll find, financing, and fast shipping!