What's the difference between replacing and repairing a cracked bumper?
2 Answers
Here are the specific differences between replacing and repairing a cracked bumper: In terms of damage extent: If the internal bracket of the bumper is severely damaged or cracked, replacement is generally required; if the bumper only has minor cracks, welding repair can be chosen. In terms of impact: When replacing the bumper, it's best to choose an original manufacturer part. Original bumpers have better quality than aftermarket ones, being less likely to deform even under high pressure and showing minimal color difference. Although repaired bumpers show little difference in color and strength, welding repairs may still pose certain safety risks.
Last time I scraped the front of my car against a wall and noticed a crack in the bumper. Replacing it with a new part was straightforward—just removing the cracked bumper and installing a new one, like changing a phone case, leaving no trace. But the 4S shop quoted over two thousand for it. Repairing is much cheaper; the mechanic used a plastic welding gun to fuse the crack, then sanded and repainted it, costing only five hundred including half a day's labor. However, it depends on the crack's location—if it's in a stress-bearing area, repairs might easily crack again, making a full replacement more reliable. Plus, a repaired bumper can lower resale value, as buyers often assume it's been in an accident.
