Throttle Down Kustoms designs and builds the toughest steel bumpers around. But how much of an impact can a steel bumper really take? And how do you measure the force of an impact? We investigate this topic to see what makes our steel bumpers the enthusiast’s choice.
When Does A Bump Become An Accident?
We all want to avoid accidents but drive for long enough, and sooner or later, you will bump or get bumped. The seriousness of any impact depends on several factors.
Factors influencing the severity of an impact:
- Vehicle Speed
- Vehicle Weight
- Angle of Impact
- Condition of Vehicle
It stands to reason that a larger and heavier vehicle will be able to absorb more of a bump than a small economy car. But a heavy SUV or truck has more momentum when on the move, so the angle, speed, and condition of the vehicle are also important.
You may have seen an accident in which a big vehicle with a steel bull bar or bumper comes off relatively unscathed from a crash with a smaller car. While the occupants on both vehicles may be fine, the smaller vehicle tends to require more extensive repairs.
Factory vs Aftermarket Bumpers
Factory bumpers are designed to absorb small impacts. They can usually deform slightly and be popped back into shape.
In bigger accidents, a plastic or aluminum factory bumper will crumple and buckle under the pressure. This helps absorb some of the collision’s energy before it enters the cabin.
But sometimes, they can deform and collapse after even smaller bumps. This can cause unseen damage to the bodywork and other structural components as the energy of the impact is transferred to the vehicle. That’s expected in a big accident, but it can be frustrating when it happens after a minor bump and pushes up the repair costs.
Tracy W had a close shave with a herd of deer and was thankful that she had a tough TDK steel bumper on her Ford F350 to protect her:
“I just want to thank you for building me the quality bumper you did for my truck. I was recently in an accident trying to dodge a large group of deer on the highway and went off road, over a hill that launched me 100 feet in the air, and came down nose first.
Your bumper saved my life by taking the full impact when I hit the ground and not allowing my truck to roll or flip end to end. I’m forever a huge fan and customer of Throttle Down Kustoms!
TDK steel bumpers are designed to withstand a lot more punishment than a factory bumper. They easily absorb and deflect parking lot dings and can withstand larger impacts like those you might encounter on an off-road trail. Or when coming into contact with wildlife.
When it comes to safety, your vehicle’s airbags and crumple zones will still absorb the force of an accident. But your steel bumpers will take the brunt of the initial impact. This can lower repair costs and protect your vehicle from hazards on and off the road.
This is what Merrit Olson had to say after colliding with a Deer at 50mph:
“No damage to the truck. She didn’t even clean the grasshoppers off the TDK where I hit her.“
Why Choose TDK Steel Bumpers?
Factory Bumpers:
- Made from plastic or aluminum
- Can usually absorb small impacts
- Will crumple and buckle in larger impacts
TDK Steel Bumpers:
- Made from high-grade US steel
- Can withstand larger impacts than factory bumpers
- Are designed to be fully customizable
TDK bumpers are made from thick high-grade steel. This makes them far tougher than factory bumpers. They are fully customizable, which means that you can fit a set of bright LED lights to them and potentially avoid an impact in the first case.
Jonel K loves his Chevy truck’s TDK bumpers. They’re still going strong after seeing more than their fair share of animals:
“4 years with the front and rear bumpers. My truck should have been totaled multiple times due to Montana wildlife. 3 Elk. 2 deer. And bumped a moose. Your bumpers are amazing. Keep it up!
Throttle Down Kustoms Has The Perfect Steel Bumper For Your Vehicle
Throttle Down Kustoms has been making quality bumpers since 2004. Certified professionals hand-weld each bumper, frame, skid plate, and 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 vehicles.
TDK Steel Bumpers:
- Are built from thick, high-quality steel
- Can be customized with LED lights, winches, and more
- Enhance the look of your truck, Jeep, or SUV
- Can withstand the harshest conditions
- Can be powder-coated for added protection
- Can be painted to match your vehicle
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 steel bumpers.