Bumper covers: the need for installation and types

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Many motorists want to give their car a look to distinguish it from other similar cars. Therefore, they install all kinds of accessories that decorate the appearance of the vehicle. Some of these accessories are just unnecessary trinkets, and some, in addition to beautiful decor, also have a practical purpose.

Bumper guard, why?

It is the second category of accessories includes bumper pads. Some time ago, almost all cars were produced with metal chrome bumpers that were resistant to mechanical stress. In the event that the bumper was still damaged, then all problems were easily fixed with a hammer. Over the years, the appearance of the car has changed a lot, and polymer materials have replaced iron. Now the metal bumper is an exception to the orderly range of plastic parts. Of course, plastic bumpers look beautiful, but they have one drawback: plastic is a fragile material that is highly susceptible to mechanical stress. It is the bumpers that most often break, even withminor collision.

But the rear bumper is most prone to impact. If a bulky or heavy load is being transported, then when removing such a load from the trunk, it is easy to scratch or damage it (for example, by accidentally dropping a shovel on it). In order to prevent damage, protective pads on the bumper were invented. Designed to protect this fragile part of the car, they can also be used as tuning items.

Rear bumper protector

The rear bumper of the car is most susceptible to small scratches and other mechanical influences. Structurally, it is located in close proximity to the luggage compartment, and it is because of this that scratches and minor damage very often appear on it. Over time, it may be necessary to paint the bumper, which will entail certain expenses. But they can be avoided. Rear bumper pads mainly protect it from damage that can be caused by the transported cargo. These pads are usually attached to the top of the bumper. Double-sided adhesive tape acts as an element that connects the lining and bumper. It provides reliable fastening, ease of sticking and convenient replacement of one lining with another. Before gluing, the bumper surface should be well cleaned of dust and dirt and degreased.

The front also needs to be protected

The front bumper of the car is subject to mechanical damage no less than the rear. If the rear bumper is most often damaged by the load, then the front bumper can be hitan inconspicuous post or accidentally bump into the corner of the bumper on the garage door or other structures. In addition, small pebbles and gravel flying out from under the wheels of vehicles in front can cause severe damage. In any of these cases, repair or replacement of the bumper is provided. However, front bumper pads can protect it from this kind of damage.

What are and what are protective pads made of

Several years ago, linings were made by motorists themselves and installed on cars using improvised means. Currently, auto manufacturers have realized the need for this kind of protection for body parts and have begun to produce standard overlays. Today, manufacturers offer overlays from various materials. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The budget version of the bumper pads - plastic pads. They look a little rough, but resistant to mechanical damage. As a rule, they are produced in universal black.

Rubber pads will cost a little more. They look more presentable than their plastic counterparts, and are also ahead of them in terms of shock absorption.

Metal plates are made of stainless steel. In terms of their protective properties, they are ahead of both rubber and plastic counterparts. Such overlays can be both matte and mirror. They look pretty good, and if there are chrome inserts on the body, then the metal lining will emphasizecar appearance. But due to the fact that such overlays leave scratches that cannot be removed, this part can quickly lose its original appearance. The disadvantages include the high cost of such overlays.

The latest know-how in bumper protection is the application of a protective armored film. Usually it is made transparent. This film is very resistant to damage and will not show scratches. However, it is quite possible to damage such an overlay with a sharp object.

Currently, many foreign companies produce protective pads and offer various options for protecting bumpers. The domestic manufacturer does not lag behind imported companies: now you can find bumper covers for VAZ on free sale.