Bumpers are called bumpers for a reason – they’re often the first part of a vehicle to be bumped in a crash, and they’re designed to take most of the impact in order to protect the structure of the vehicle.

Because of their importance when it comes to safety, it’s crucial to get bumpers repaired or replaced if they are damaged in an accident. And it’s not just the exterior that needs to be checked out – bumpers also house various sensors, lights and warning systems, all of which can have hidden damage after a collision. All of these need to be functioning properly in order to best ensure your safety on the road.

Bumper repair vs. replacement

Oftentimes, bumpers can simply be repaired if the damage is minor. Depending on the size of any dents and the material of the bumper, paintless dent repair may be an option. In this type of repair, dents are slowly worked out without damaging the paint job, saving time and money. Minor scratches or punctures can also sometimes be repaired rather than replacing the whole bumper, though this may require a paint job on top of the repair.

For more intense damage – such as cracks, holes or a bumper that is falling off – the bumper may need to be replaced. If this is the case, you will need to purchase a new bumper through the auto body repair shop, and they will remove the old bumper and attach a new one, including connecting it to any systems or sensors embedded in the car. The paint will also be matched to the rest of the car.

When repairing or replacing a bumper, technicians may also do a post scan of the car to make sure all of the sensors and lights are properly aligned and functioning. This way, you can rest assured that any hidden damage has been taken care of.

Bumper repair cost

Cost for bumper repair or replacement can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. For example, SUVs or luxury cars will likely have more expensive bumper repair costs than a sedan-style car. The material of the bumper will also matter – plastic can be less expensive to replace than metal. And, the more sensors embedded in a bumper, the more expensive a repair can be. Bumper repairs can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $600, depending on the type of damage. For bumper replacements, that can cost more than $1000 depending on the parts needed and the time it takes to install.

Finding a repair shop

While it may be tempting to leave a bumper with a small dent, it’s important to check that any sensors or safety features are working properly after a collision. One way to determine whether your bumper needs to be repaired or replaced is to find a local collision repair or auto body shop and have a technician assess the damage. Carwise is here to help you find bumper repair services near you. From real customer reviews to shop certifications, hours and locations, Carwise’s search tool can help you choose the right auto body or collision repair shop from more than 21,000 shops nationwide. Use Carwise’s shop finder tool to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body shop nearby: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

Whether it’s the result of hail damage or a distracted moment backing out of a parking spot, when your car suffers a minor ding or dent, you will likely want to get it repaired as quickly and cost-effectively as possible at an auto body shop near you—without sacrificing the look or value of your vehicle. For minor damage like this, paintless dent repair can be a quick, cost-effective option.

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a method for fixing minor dents that uses slow pressure and does not require paint which can add significant additional expense to the repair. Technicians access the dent from the backside by removing any interior panels to access the damaged panel, then use metal rods and body pricks to pop the dent back out—without ruining the factory-finish paint job. Occasionally, deeper dents may require several rounds of this process. This technique can be used for minor dents, hail damage, or even larger dents as long as the paint has not been cracked. This process is usually faster and may even be completed while you wait.

Sharp dents or dents that have cracked the vehicle’s paint may require the more traditional method of dent repair using fillers and paint. This method takes longer and will be more expensive.

Find A Local Auto Body Shop That Offers Paintless Dent Repair

If you think your vehicle could benefit from paintless dent repair, you can search for a local auto body shop near you that offers PDR. Other companies specialize in paintless dent repair and in many cases will come to your home or office. When you contact an auto body shop to request a repair, ask them if they think the dent on your vehicle is a good candidate for PDR.

Carwise.com provides information on nearly 22,000 auto body shops with current ratings and reviews – including information on training, manufacturer certifications, or those that specialize in paintless dent repair.

Use Carwise’s shop finder tool to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop near you: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

Paintless Dent Repair or Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a technique used by auto body shops that removes dents and dings, leaving the original paint in place.

To ensure that your car dent is repaired properly, you should leave it to the professionals. With Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), auto body shops can remove many types of dent damage including hail or door dings.

Paintless Dent Repair is a process of accessing the back side of the damaged panel and then massaging and shrinking the dent with unique and specialized rods that have different configurations. PDR is faster than conventional repairs and does not use traditional auto body methods like sanding, body fillers in order to maintain your car’s original finish.

What Can Paintless Dent Repair Fix?

Paintless dent repair can work well in the following situations:

• From small to large dents

• On newer cars, typically with model years of 1990 or later

• When cracked or broken paint is not present

• When the dent isn’t close to a panel ‘s edge

• When the panel has not had previous auto body repair

PDR is so effective for hail damage that insurance companies will setup temporary facilities to rapidly assess and repair damage.

Advantages of Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless Dent Repair advantages include:

• No repainting or body filler needed

• Does not cost as much as a traditional body repair

• Can be quickly fixed in most cases

• No possibility of paint overspray on other parts of the vehicle

• No risk of incorrect color matching

• Vehicle retains original paint

A vehicle with original paint retains a higher value than a car that has been repainted. No matter where the damage is located, it is always best to keep the original paint on a vehicle for as long as possible.

Where can I find an auto body repair shop that does Paintless Dent Repair?

If you want to ensure that you have a flawless Paintless Dent Repair, find a good auto body shop to get your car back to pre-damaged condition. A quick search on Carwise.com will help you find the right shop.

Sources:

MSN Autos