This year Calgary has seen above average snowfall already and winter just began not to mention variable degrees of climate change from -25C to
+10C.
When the roads get slick so do the driving conditions and that equates to higher incidences of fender benders.
How do you tell if you need a bumper repair or replacement and what should you expect?
Bumper Repair versus Bumper Replacement
The degree of damage done to the bumper will indicate whether or not it can be repaired or will need to be replaced.
Damage comes in the form of dents, scratches, and cracks.
Minor scratches or paint chips can be repaired easily, if no other damage has been done to the vehicle and minor dents can be pushed out.
Large cracks or dents will require a bumper replacement. The old bumper will have to be removed, the new one attached, and often painted to match the vehicle colour.
Ultimately, the collision repair process stands to restore the integrity of your vehicle. Even in bumper repair, the damage must be thoroughly assessed. From there, any necessary auto body work is performed, from frame straightening if necessary, to automotive painting, fender reconstruction and repair to any internal damage.
Bumper Repair Cost
The cost of Bumper Repair can vary from shop to shop and depends on the degree of damage done to the bumper, as well as the year make and model of the vehicle.
Scratches, cracks and dents are various forms of damage that can be done to a bumper. Depending on the type and severity the cost of the job will vary.
The range of cost can vary from $200 – $2000 +. The price is quoted based on parts, shop time and service.
Here is an example of how a bumper replacement job is priced-out:
Average Labor Time Install = 2.8hrs @$90.00 per hour =$252.00 +
Average Labor Time to Refinish Bumper = 2.7 to 3.4 hrs =$243.00 to $306.00
Cost of paint materials for refinish = ~ $110-120.00
Total cost of bumper replacement = $700.00+
As you can see if the bumper solely needs refinishing the cost is drastically lower, versus an entire replacement.
How to Select a Repair Shop
There are many factors to consider when selecting an automotive collision centre. Look into the following before making a decision:
• Experience
• Length of time in business
• Who are their suppliers
• How long have their employees been with the company
• What is their specialty
• Testimonials/Reputation
• Any affiliations they may have
• What quality of products do they represent
• Accreditation
For example: All Makes Collision Centre is accredited by AMVIC (Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council) and BBB (Better Business Bureau). We use DuPont Cromax Pro. This paint meets the highest standards set by all vehicle manufacturers. It is of the highest quality and is also environmentally friendly. In addition we use a computerized paint matching system to ensure the paint colour matches your vehicle perfectly.
A lot of the information above will be available on most company websites. If it is not call them and ask questions until you feel you have an adequate understanding of their company culture.
Rule of Thumb for DIY
Anytime you find yourself considering a DIY job ask yourself the following questions:
• Do I have the skill level required to take on the job?
• How big of a job is it?
• Is the cost of having it done professionally worth more than the car?
If the answer to point one is “no” than take it to a collision specialist.
If the answer to point two is “small” and point one is “yes”, than it is worth a try looking into a DIY fix – depending on the value of your vehicle.
If you drive a beater and you are happy to try fixing a scratch or minor dent – go for it.
If your car is valuable and you do not want to risk a screw-up play it safe and take it in!
At the end of the day if you have any questions about a bumper repair or replacement give us a call, we’ll do our best to give you the info you need.