Bumpers are made to, well, bump. Unsurprisingly, they are the most commonly damaged part of a vehicle. So, when (not if) you damage your factory bumper, is it better to repair it or replace it?
In this article, we look into both options and discuss whether aftermarket steel bumpers are a better choice than OEM ones.
Should You Replace Or Repair?
When it comes to bumpers, there are several factors to consider. The front bumper is your first line of defense during frontal impacts and is also the first thing to be seen from a front vantage point. Meaning both aesthetics and ability matter. Here are a few other things that matter:
Safety
The primary job of a bumper is to protect your vehicle from damage. It does this by absorbing the force of an impact. In modern bumpers, there are two main components. The bumper cover and the impact bar. The cover is what you see. It doesn’t protect the truck from damage. It is cosmetic, except that it also serves as a place to mount lights and sensors. The impact bar lies beneath the cover. The impact bar absorbs the impact from any collision that goes beyond the capabilities of the cover.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to replace only the bumper cover, or you may also have to replace the impact bar. You can always skip repairing the cover if you want, but if the impact bar is damaged, you really should replace it for safety reasons.
If you are concerned about safety, you should know that TDK steel bumpers feature internal supports, superior rust protection and sturdy plate steel construction. That’s why our bumpers offer superior safety.
Looks
A standard bumper looks just like everyone else’s standard bumper. If it’s damaged, it will be the first thing everyone notices. Whether it’s a scrape in the paint or, worse, a dent or tear in the bumper cover, you won’t want to cruise around with a beaten-up old bumper for long.
TDK aftermarket bumpers are a great way to personalize your ride, and we have a size and style to suit just about every type of truck out there.
Resale Value
Regarding resale values, a potential buyer will be more likely to pay your asking price if they see a new bumper instead of a beat-up bumper. Also, keep in mind that in the event of an accident, having a previously damaged or repaired bumper can complicate insurance claims. Insurance companies may argue that pre-existing damage contributed to the extent of the new damage, potentially affecting payouts.
Cost
If your bumper cover looks bad enough that you want to replace it, you’ll need to get a couple of quotes. Most people can replace a bumper cover by themselves, but very few can paint one well. By the time you add up the cost of the cover and the cost of painting, you are usually over what it costs to put on a steel bumper.
Latest Features
Most stock bumpers don’t have the latest features built into them, especially if they are an older design. If you want to upgrade your truck with a winch, LED lights, and recovery hooks, a stock bumper just won’t do.
TDK steel bumpers are designed to work with the latest modern conveniences. Whether it’s a 12,000-lb winch or LED light bar, our sturdy steel bumpers can accommodate it all. Every TDK bumper works with modern parking sensors and cameras and won’t affect the functioning of airbags.
Throttle Down Kustoms Steel Bumpers
Throttle Down Kustoms has been making quality bumpers since 2004. Certified professionals hand-weld each bumper, frame, skid plate, or accessory. Looking to replace your stock bumper? We build a wide range of high-quality steel bumpers for Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Toyota and many other trucks. TDK steel bumpers:
- Can be customized with the latest accessories
- Will enhance the looks of your truck
- Are tough and built to last
They are designed and built right here in the USA with the highest-quality materials. We also do custom fabrication and offer a lifetime warranty on our products. Contact us here for more information on our high-quality bumpers.