Having a cracked bumper is an unfortunate and common issue for car owners. A cracked bumper not only detracts from the overall aesthetics of your vehicle, but it can also lead to further damage if left untreated. When faced with a cracked bumper, many owners wonder if the bumper can be repaired or if it needs to be fully replaced. In this article, we’ll explore the options for repairing a cracked bumper, the costs, and when it’s better to simply replace the bumper.
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What causes bumpers to crack?
There are a few common causes of cracked bumpers:
- Minor collisions or bumps – Even low speed collisions with objects or other vehicles can cause the rigid plastic or fiberglass bumper to crack.
- Hard impacts – Significant crashes or collisions usually result in more severe bumper cracks or other damage. The force of the impact puts extreme stress on the bumper.
- Exposure damage – Years of exposure to sun, weather, road debris, and salt on the roads can cause the bumper material to become brittle and crack over time.
- Low temperatures – In very cold climates, the plastic can contract and become more susceptible to cracking when impacted.
Parking lot bumps and fender benders are by far the most common causes of bumper cracks. Even collisions under 10 mph can generate enough force to crack the bumper’s rigid outer shell.
Can you repair a cracked bumper?
In many cases, yes, it is possible to repair a cracked bumper. There are a few methods that can be used:
- Plastic welding – This involves using a plastic welder to “stitch” the cracks and melt the plastic back together. This is a common repair method but works best on relatively minor cracks.
- Epoxy injection – An epoxy resin can be injected directly into cracks and allowed to harden, bonding the plastic back together. This works for larger cracks.
- Reinforcing rods – Fiberglass reinforcing rods can be adhered over cracks with epoxy to add strength and prevent spreading.
- Filler and painting – For minor surface cracks, applying body filler, sanding, and repainting can hide signs of damage.
The limitation is that severe cracks, punctures, or damage overlapping seams will likely require full bumper replacement. But for cracks 3 inches or less in length, repair is usually possible.
Cost to repair a cracked bumper
The cost to repair a cracked bumper can range quite a bit based on the severity of damage and method of repair:
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Plastic welding | $50 – $150 |
| Epoxy injection | $100 – $350 |
| Reinforcing rods | $150 – $400 |
| Filler and paint | $200 – $550 |
More extensive repairs that require removing the bumper can cost $500 – $800. The injecting epoxy method is usually the most affordable and effective for repairing cracks up to 6 inches long. Prices also depend on the workshop hourly rates in your area.
When to replace instead of repairing a cracked bumper
Though bumper repairs are often possible, there are some instances when replacement is the better option:
- Cracks longer than 6 inches
- Punctures or holes in the bumper
- Damage along molded seams or edges
- Warped or misaligned bumper
- Multiple crack damage sites
- Previously repaired bumper that is re-cracking
- Cracked bumper brackets or impact bars
- Cracked paint with visible fiberglass mesh
Once cracks exceed 6 inches, spread across seams, or require realignment, repairs become less effective and durable. Extensive damage also raises the risk of hidden structural weaknesses. In these cases, replacing the entire bumper assembly is the better long-term solution.
Replacement bumper costs
Unlike repairs, replacing a cracked bumper has a more consistent cost range based on the vehicle make and model. Here are some average replacement costs by vehicle type:
| Vehicle Type | Bumper Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Compact/sub-compact | $250 – $750 |
| Sedan | $400 – $950 |
| SUV/Crossover | $500 – $1200 |
| Luxury vehicle | $700 – $2000+ |
Keep in mind that is for just the bumper component itself without added fees for installation or painting. Bumpers on high-end cars are often much pricier.
DIY bumper repair vs professional service
Doing a bumper repair or replacement yourself can save money in labor fees. But extra expertise and equipment is required. Consider the following:
- DIY plastic welding requires investing in a specialized plastic welder.
- Injecting epoxy into cracks takes precise technique to bond correctly.
- Removing bumpers unchanged requires special tools and knowledge.
- Realigning or refitting bumpers after repair takes experience.
- Painting a repaired or replaced bumper to match the car’s factory finish is difficult.
For these reasons, most repairs beyond very minor cracks and filler require professional service to achieve lasting, quality results. The extra labor fees often provide worthwhile expertise, tools, and materials.
Conclusion
Cracked bumpers are a common eyesore on well-used vehicles. But in many cases, timely repair can remove signs of damage at a cost significantly lower than full replacement. With plastic welding, injected epoxy, reinforcing rods, and filler, bumpers with cracks up to 6 inches can often be restored. Yet more extensive damage involving punctures, warped alignment, or tears along molded seams will realistically require a new bumper. Understanding both the repair options and costs involved allows owners to make the optimal choice in correcting bumper cracks and preserving their car’s value and appearance.