Many motorists want to give their car a look to distinguish it from other similar cars. Therefore, they install all kinds of accessories that decorate the appearance of the vehicle. Some of these accessories are simply unnecessary trinkets, and some, in addition to beautiful decor, also have a practical purpose.
Protection for the bumper, why?
It is to the second category of accessories that the bumper pads belong. Some time ago, almost all cars were produced with metal chrome bumpers, which were resistant to mechanical stress. If the bumper was still damaged, then all the problems were easily fixed with a hammer. Over the years, the appearance of the car has changed dramatically, and polymeric materials have replaced iron. Now the metal bumper is an exception to the slender range of plastic parts. Of course, plastic bumpers look beautiful, but they have one drawback: plastic is a brittle material that is highly susceptible to mechanical stress. It is the bumpers that most often break, even with a minor collision.
But the rear bumper is most prone to shock. If a bulky or heavy load is transported, then when removing such a load from the trunk, it is easy to scratch or damage it (for example, accidentally drop a shovel on it). In order to prevent damage, protective bumper pads were invented. Called to protect this fragile part of the car, they can also be elements of tuning.
Rear bumper protection
The car’s rear bumper is most susceptible to minor scratches and other mechanical influences. Structurally, it is located in close proximity to the luggage compartment, and precisely because of this, scratches and minor injuries very often appear on it. Over time, you may need to paint the bumper, which will entail certain expenses. But they can be avoided. Lining on the rear bumper mainly protects it from damage that the transported cargo can cause. Such pads are fastened, usually on top of the bumper. A double-sided adhesive tape acts as an element that connects the pad and the bumper. It provides reliable fastening, ease of gluing and convenient replacement of one lining for another. Before gluing, the bumper surface should be well cleaned of dust and dirt and degreased.
Before you also need to protect
The front bumper of the car is subject to mechanical damage no less than the rear. If the rear bumper is most often damaged by the load, then the front can touch an inconspicuous column or accidentally crash into the corner of the bumper against the garage door or other structures. In addition, small pebbles and gravel can cause severe damage, flying out from under the wheels of cars driving in front. In any of these cases, repair or replacement of the bumper is provided. However, the lining on the front bumper can protect it from this kind of damage.
What are and what protective linings are made of
A few years ago, the linings were made by motorists themselves and installed on machines using improvised means. Currently, car manufacturers have realized the need for this kind of protection for body parts and have begun to produce standard linings. Today, manufacturers offer linings of various materials. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
A budget option for bumper pads is plastic pads. They look a little rude, but resistant to mechanical damage. As a rule, universal black are issued.
Rubber linings will be a little more expensive. They look more presentable than plastic counterparts, and are also ahead of them in their depreciation qualities.
Metal plates are made of stainless steel. By their protective properties, they are ahead of both rubber and plastic counterparts. Such overlays can be both opaque, and mirror. They look pretty good, and if there are chrome inserts on the body, metal plates will favorably emphasize the appearance of the car. But due to the fact that scratches remain on such overlays that cannot be removed, this part can quickly lose its original appearance. By cons include the high cost of such pads.
The latest know-how in protecting bumpers is the use of protective armored film. Usually it is made transparent. This film is very resistant to damage and will not show scratches. However, such an overlay is quite possible to damage with a sharp object.
Currently, many foreign companies produce protective pads and offer various options for protecting bumpers. The domestic manufacturer is not far behind import companies: now in free sale you can find bumper covers for VAZ.