What is a car bumper?
2 Answers
Car bumper is a safety device designed to absorb and mitigate external impacts, protecting the vehicle body and passengers. Below are detailed explanations: 1. Composition: Car bumpers are made of plastic. The outer panel and cushioning material are made of plastic, while the crossbeam is formed by stamping cold-rolled steel sheets about 1.5mm thick into a U-shaped channel. The outer panel and cushioning material are attached to the crossbeam, which is then connected to the vehicle frame longitudinal beams via screws. The plastic used for these bumpers primarily consists of polyester and polypropylene materials, manufactured through injection molding. 2. Functions: Bumpers serve purposes including safety protection, vehicle decoration, and improving aerodynamic characteristics. From a safety perspective, they provide cushioning during low-speed collisions, protecting the front and rear vehicle structures, and offer some pedestrian protection in accidents involving pedestrians. Aesthetically, they serve as decorative elements, becoming important components in enhancing a car's exterior appearance. Additionally, car bumpers contribute to aerodynamics. To reduce passenger injuries during side collisions, door bumpers are commonly installed to strengthen door impact resistance. This practical and straightforward method requires minimal modifications to the vehicle structure and has been widely adopted. Installing door bumpers involves placing several high-strength steel beams horizontally or diagonally inside each door panel, functioning similarly to front and rear bumpers, ensuring comprehensive protection around the vehicle and maximizing passenger safety. For car passengers, this significantly enhances both actual safety and the sense of security.
As a novice driver who just got my license not long ago, I still remember when I first bought a car and saw the bumper, thinking it was just a plastic decoration at the front and rear of the car. Later, while reversing, I accidentally scraped against a garage door pillar. With a loud 'clunk,' I got out to check and found the bumper slightly dented, but the hood and headlights were completely intact. The mechanic explained to me that the bumper is actually a collision buffer device designed to absorb low-speed impacts, protecting critical components from damage. Nowadays, most cars use lightweight plastic materials for bumpers, which are easy to replace and less prone to rust; some cars have metal frames, which are sturdier but heavier. After that minor accident, I learned to be more careful while driving and not to overlook this low-key guardian. It not only saves money by preventing major repairs but also reduces injuries to pedestrians in accidents, making it feel like an essential safety partner for driving. Overall, this experience during my driving lessons made me value daily driving safety more—small parts can have big uses.
