Many plastic bumper parts can be repaired, especially bumper covers, which are commonly damaged on a vehicle. In addition, a plastic bumper repair can be reliably carried out whether it’s a thermoplastic or thermoset bumper, which will depend on your vehicle.
Assessing Damage and Deciding to Repair or Replace
Highly trained Vehicle Damage Assessors (VDAs) determine whether a damaged plastic part should be repaired or replaced based on several key factors:
Safety: Safety is the top priority. Parts will always be replaced if the manufacturer guidelines advise replacement, the underlying structure is damaged, or the repair could affect the vehicle’s safety systems and sensors.
Cost and Time: The VDA estimates the repair time and compares it to the cost of a replacement part, as well as the availability of a new part.
Sustainable Repair: Repairing plastic parts aligns with green repair principles, avoiding carbon emissions from new part manufacturing and reducing plastic waste.
The Plastic Bumper Repair Process
For minor scuffs or scratches, SMART repair techniques may be used without removing the part from the vehicle. For more extensive damage, the bumper is removed, reshaped, and repaired using specialized tools and materials:
Dents are pulled out using suction tools.
Holes are filled and sanded.
Cracks are repaired using welding tools.
The part is then painted to match the original color.
All safety features are reset to manufacturer specifications before the vehicle is returned.
Benefits of Plastic Bumper Repair
Repairing a plastic bumper offers several advantages:
It’s a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for minor damage.
It can speed up the repair process if replacement parts are not readily available.
Repairing a plastic part avoids the carbon emissions and waste associated with manufacturing a new part.