Dinged, Cracked, Scratched? When to Repair or Replace Your Bumper

October 15, 2021

Your Nissan's front and rear bumper covers do more than just enhance the visual appeal of your car. They also help protect you and your passengers by absorbing the energy and impact of an auto collision. That's why it's imperative to repair or replace bumper covers after an incident. Read on to learn which bumper damages call for a repair and which ones call for a replacement.

When to Repair Your Bumper

Bumpers are essential in protecting your Nissan during a collision, and driving around with a broken or compromised one could put your vehicle at risk in the future. However, it's not always easy to decide between getting a brand new one and repairing the one you've got. Here are a few examples of when getting collision repair may be the better option.

Minor Paint Damage

Bumper covers don't come painted, but many drivers paint theirs to add to the style of their vehicle. Minor paint damage can be an eyesore, but that doesn't mean you need to buy a brand new bumper! If your bumper has tiny dings and scratches to the paint job, getting it repaired is likely the best option ‐ especially if the cost of fixing it is below the cost of purchasing and installing a new one.

Small Cracks

If you have small cracks or punctures in your bumper cover, it can seriously affect the aesthetic of your Nissan. If left for too long, the cracks can also grow and diminish the structural integrity of your bumper.

Fortunately, smaller cracks are relatively simple to repair. The process may call for body filler, sanding, priming, and repainting, which can be a bit pricey. Although repairing punctures or minor cracks is likely the best option, try getting an estimate for the damages before making your final decision.

Minor Dents

Repairing a bumper with minor dents is possible. Many auto body repair shops can use a special tool to pull out the dent and repaint the spot later. As long as there are no large tears and holes that compromise the structural integrity of your bumper, this issue will usually call for a simple repair.

When to Replace Your Bumper

In some instances, it makes more sense to replace your bumper rather than repair it. When the structural integrity of your bumper covers are compromised, you could put your Nissan at risk for further, more severe damage in a future collision. Here's when getting bumper cover repair may be the better option.

Major Paint Damage

If your bumper has excessively chipped paint or deep scratches, it may be time to replace it. Extensive scratches and damage to your bumper and paint require sanding and repainting, and if the damage is too deep, body fillers may need to be applied. This can be a lot of work, and replacing it with a new one will likely be easier and less expensive.

Large Cracks

Large cracks can offer less protection in the future and weaken your bumper's structural integrity. Although small cracks and punctures are repairable, large tears often aren't. So, cracked bumper repair or replace? Because of the bumper's reduced reliability, purchasing and installing a new bumper instead of repairing one with significant cracks or holes may be the best option for the safety of your vehicle.

Major Dents

With a large or major dent, the strength and durability of your bumper covers may become compromised. After a collision, this structural damage can also lead to issues beneath your bumper ‐ from your radiator and sensors in the front to the taillights and reflectors in the back.

If you notice a considerable dent in the bumper, it's likely time for a full replacement and inspection of the surrounding components. Not to mention, the cost of labor and repair can get pricey, so bumper replacement may be the more economical choice in the end.

Damaged Bumper Hooks

Bumper hooks help to keep your bumper firmly affixed to your Nissan. And if these fasteners become broken or damaged, you'll likely need a full replacement.

Once they break, it's nearly impossible to fix and reattach them to your vehicle properly, and you'll also run the risk of your bumper detaching from your car completely. This can be really dangerous mid-drive! Instead, replace your broken bumper with one that has functioning hooks already in place to ensure it stays securely attached in the future.

Keep Riding in Style with Nissan Parts

From bumper covers to bumper brackets, Nissan Parts & Accessories has all of the bumper pieces you need to keep your ride looking great and feeling fresh. Shop online and visit your nearest service center for installation help!