How to Fix a Cracked Bumper: Methods, Cost, and More

Unbeknownst to most, the bumper is pivotal in road safety, especially during collisions. It absorbs most of the impact during low-speed collisions to protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle from serious harm and damage. It’s no wonder some states, like California, require vehicles to have both a front and rear bumper.

As such, it’s crucial to keep your bumpers in great condition, which means patching up damages, no matter how small. Luckily, there are different options to help fix scratches and cracks.

Different Ways to Fix a Cracked Plastic Bumper

Plastic welding, epoxy repair, bumper repair kits, and professional repair can fix cracked bumpers.

Plastic Welding

Plastic welding creates a molecular bond between two compatible thermoplastics to offer strength and reduced cycle types. There are three main steps to welding: pressing, heating, and cooling.

The plastic welding processes vary depending on the heating methods used. Common ones include the following procedures:

• Hot air welding
• Ultrasonic welding
• Radiofrequency welding
• Spin welding
• Vibration welding
• Laser welding
• Hot plate welding
• Contact welding
• Automatic welding

Hot air welding is arguably the most flexible method. It applies to most geometries, is durable, and is inexpensive compared to the other methods. Hot air welding utilizes gas heated by the electric heating elements in the welding gun to melt and join different components together.

It typically costs around $300 to plastic weld a car bumper. However, various factors can bump the price up, such as the extent of the damage and the preparation, disassembly, materials, painting, and reassembly involved.

Note that plastic welding works best on thermoplastic and urethane bumpers.

Epoxy Repair

Epoxy is a strong, high-performance adhesive material that resists corrosion, making it an ideal choice to repair damaged bumpers.

Epoxy repair usually involves three main steps: cleaning, mixing, and smoothing.

First, clean the bumper using a specialized solvent for proper adhesion. Mix the compound, then apply the epoxy to cover the damage. Finally, smooth and shape the epoxy to match the bumper for a more natural look.

This method of fixing a cracked bumper doesn’t take much time and effort. You can do it yourself; simply follow the instructions on the epoxy. It’s also durable, as epoxy lasts a long time.

Going the DIY route on minor bumper cracks can cost you around $100.

Some factors could skyrocket the price, like the severity of damage, materials, and labor costs if you seek professional assistance. All in all, it shouldn’t cost you more than $300 for professional epoxy repairs, depending on if the bumper has to come off or not.

One last thing to note is to choose a bumper repair epoxy specifically designed for bumper repair. Different epoxies cater to various types of plastics and bumper materials.

Bumper Repair Kits

Bumper repair kits have everything you need to repair bumpers and bumper covers. They usually include a primer, pre-measured sachets of filler, and solvent wipes. The filler works similarly to epoxy, giving you flexibility for permanent repairs.

Using these kits involves fixing up the cracks yourself. The process usually involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Use the wipes to clean the inside and outside parts of the bumper for proper adhesion. Make sure to remove any shards of plastic in the process.
• Step 2: Use an 80-grit sandpaper on the affected area to smooth out sharp or raised edges to bond better with the filler.
• Step 3: Wipe the area with a damp cloth.
• Step 4: Line up the bumper’s front and back with masking tape. Repair the back part first, using the solution that bonds the filler to the plastic (if included), and wait for it to dry.
• Step 5: Apply a layer of filler over the affected area, then cut the bonding mesh to size and place it over the damage.
• Step 6: Apply another layer of filler over the mesh to cover it up before smoothing it out.
• Step 7: Repeat the steps for the bumper’s front side.
• Step 8: Use wet fine-grained sandpaper to finish once the fillers have hardened.
• Step 9: Apply two layers of primer and paint to the bumper and wait for it to dry before applying two layers of clearcoat over the paint.

Using bumper repair kits is convenient because you can fix the issues yourself. They’re also cheaper than going to a mechanic, as these repair kits only cost around $15.00.

Professional Repair

The last option for fixing a cracked bumper is to take it to an auto shop and have a mechanic look. While it will cost more than the DIY route, professional repairs are guaranteed to be of higher quality.

Auto repair shops give different options as far as bumper repairs go. Plastic welding and epoxy repairs are usually available, but they also offer bumper replacements if the damage is severe.

Besides the guaranteed quality of work, seeking professional help also lets you have other impurities looked at. It’s your chance to have an expert assess other problems, no matter how small.

Of course, the major disadvantage of going to an auto shop is the cost. Because you’re paying for their time, experience, and knowledge, expect the bill to hover around $350, depending on the bumper’s damage.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Cracked Bumper?

Unfortunately, there’s no straight answer to the question, “How much does it cost to repair a car bumper?” The price of repairing bumpers depends on the type of damage. Minor dents are usually priced between $150 and $250, while scratches range from $100 to $300.

For severe damages like cracks and dents, the price is usually between $250 and $600 because they’ll need to reshape and repaint the bumper. In cases where the damage is too severe, you might have to get a complete replacement. This can cost you anywhere from $10 to $3,940 for the bumper alone.

Let’s not forget that car bumpers also house several parts that are also likely to suffer during collisions. Headlights, turn signals, parking sensors, and moldings attached to the bumper can also get damaged. These parts are crucial to your safety on the road, so you’ll have to replace them as well.

These prices vary depending on where you take your vehicle. Factors like materials used, labor cost, and others could affect the final bill.

Cracked Bumper: Next Steps

Now that you know how to fix a damaged bumper, you might want to consider shopping for a replacement bumper cover. This way, you can start getting your vehicle in top shape as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for a replacement part that will last a long time, a CAPA-certified bumper cover is a wise investment. CAPA, or the Certified Automotive Parts Association, is a non-profit certification organization that establishes standards and specifications for replacement auto parts. Products and manufacturers that are CAPA-certified have undergone rigorous inspection and testing to ensure strict adherence to high-quality standards.

CarParts.com has a wide range of CAPA-certified auto parts – bumpers included. The best part? These parts are available for practically all vehicle models on the market. Our products are sourced from the most reputable names in the industry, meaning you won’t have to worry about any of your orders letting you down. Shop now for a bumper cover that fits your needs.