Unfortunately, accidents can happen. Even the safest drivers can experience a minor fender bender. However, accidents do not have to occur on the road. A runaway shopping cart or a slight bump in your garage can be responsible for bumper damage. While you may think it is only a tiny issue, minor bumper damage must be inspected and repaired. Repairing these problem areas might not be a big priority on your list, but there are plenty of reasons to fix any scratches and dents as soon as possible.
What Is Minor Bumper Damage?
When you look at your vehicle’s bumper, you might notice a few cracks, scratches, or dents. Those types of issues are considered minor damage. Most minor damage may look like a cosmetic issue, but underlying problems could be lurking beneath the surface. You should never ignore this type of damage. You need to get it fixed to avoid other issues. Here are a few reasons why you need to repair minor bumper damage.
Hidden Damage
As previously mentioned, minor bumper damage can hide more significant issues, such as alignment problems, a cracked frame, or other serious damage. In many cases, the driver might only know there is a problem if they have their car inspected by a reputable repair shop.
Drivability Issues
While small dents and bumps can look unsightly, they can also affect how the vehicle drives on the road. For example, a tiny dent can even impact how your headlights shine on the street, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions. Many modern vehicles also have complex safety sensors and advanced driver assistance systems. Damage to the bumper can affect how these systems recognize hazards or other cars on the road.
Corrosion and Rust
Minor scratches and dents can lead to corrosion and rust if you do not address them quickly. You might not think about it, but these problems can lead to long-term damage. Along with that, it can decrease the resale value of the vehicle. Once you allow rust and corrosion to settle in, those problems will spread and affect the vehicle’s frame, compromising the structural integrity.
Impact Absorption
Your bumper is there to protect you from any impact. Modern vehicles have a two-part design. The bumper absorber is located between the metal exterior and the bumper cover. It works to absorb and redirect force from the engine compartment, side panels, and trunk area. The bumper bar is another part of the vehicle’s safety system. It is made of metal and provides additional strength to the bumper region. All of these parts can be damaged by a minor fender bender.
Once compromised, you have limited safety features protecting you from another crash. Bumpers are designed to absorb those minor impacts and bumps to protect the rest of the vehicle. A crack or dent on the bumper will decrease the component’s ability to absorb shock, allowing the impact force to direct to other parts of the vehicle. If you are involved in another accident, your vehicle might experience more extensive damage. Plus, a cracked or dented bumper could mask some serious problems, like damage to the transmission or frame.
Devalues the Vehicle
While a minor ding might seem like a small problem, it can actually affect your resale value. Minor bumper damage might not affect the vehicle’s driving experience, but car buyers want to avoid buying a vehicle with damage to this area. If you trade the car to a dealership, you will often receive a less-than-expected price for the vehicle.
Insurance Claims
While minor bumper damage might not seem like a big deal, it could affect how your insurance company pays for future repairs. If you have bumper damage and don’t get it fixed, any other claims could be denied, especially if they find out that the bumper could have prevented additional damage. Sometimes, an insurance company could say that the damaged bumper led to “unnecessary repairs.” When the insurance company denies your claims, it will mean that you will have to pay out of pocket for any additional repairs.
Get Your Vehicle Inspected and Repaired
If you have a minor fender bender and see minimal damage to the surface, you might feel a bit of relief. However, any dents and dings are often responsible for internal damage that is not visible without a full inspection. You will want to schedule an appointment with a reliable auto body shop. Many people think that if the car can be driven, there are no issues with the vehicle. That is never the case. It is important to get the vehicle inspected and repaired. Finding a trusted auto body shop can help remove some of the hassles of the repair process.
Reach Out To Elmer’s Auto Body
When you notice any damage to your bumper, you need to bring your vehicle in for an inspection. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we will do everything to get your vehicle back on the road. Our technicians have the skills and knowledge to repair those minor damages to your car. We will get your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition, making repairs according to the manufacturer’s specifications and using OEM parts. When you schedule an inspection or repair, your vehicle is in the capable hands of our technicians. Our team will be happy to get your car, truck, or SUV back on the road. Schedule an appointment by calling (856) 218-0202.