What's actually in a bumper

The painted part you see is the bumper cover, usually plastic. Behind it sit an energy absorber, a reinforcement bar and mounting brackets. On many newer vehicles there are also parking sensors, a camera or radar. A small mark on the cover can hide a cracked absorber or a bent bar, which is why a proper estimate looks behind it. More on that in our guide to hidden damage after a rear impact.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense for:

  • Scuffs and scratches in the paint
  • Small dents or pushed in areas in a plastic cover
  • Short cracks away from the mounting tabs

Replacement is usually the better call when:

  • Mounting tabs are broken
  • The cover is torn or has long cracks
  • The reinforcement bar or energy absorber is damaged
  • Sensor mounts are broken

Our guide on bumper repair vs replacement walks through the decision in more detail.

Paint and colour match

Repaired or replaced, the bumper gets refinished to match the rest of the vehicle. Plastic needs the right prep so the paint stays put and doesn't crack or peel later. Fix Auto Sherwood North does its own paint and colour matching in house.

Sensors and cameras

If your bumper holds parking sensors, a backup camera or radar for adaptive cruise control, those may need to be checked or calibrated after the repair. Fix Auto Sherwood North coordinates calibration through a trusted partner, so it's done before you pick up. See what ADAS sensor recalibration involves.

What it costs

Bumper repair costs depend on the damage, the paint and whether sensors are involved, so the only real number is a written estimate. If the damage came from a parking lot hit or a hit and run, check how your coverage applies before you claim. For damage close to your deductible, some drivers choose to pay out of pocket.

What the shop does in house

Bumper repair and replacement, bumper scuff and scratch repair, fender repair, panel replacement and refinishing are all done by the shop's own team at Fix Auto Sherwood North, Unit 100, 167 Provincial Ave. Call (780) 416-3158 for a free written estimate.