SummaryWhat is a bumper for? Regulation of car bumpersMaintenance of bumpersHow much does a bumper cost?
What is a bumper for?
The bumper includes shock absorbers and shock absorbers which serve mainly to protect pedestrians, especially during a collision. The crumple zone is designed so that those struck are not injured by the vehicle and the impact is reduced. Recent directives and regulations prescribe a fully deformable frontal area of the vehicle. This also applies to the headlights and the grille. In addition, the bumpers help to partially absorb the shock wave in an accident, and mitigate any damage that may be caused to the engine and passenger compartment.
bumpers are also an element contributing to the aesthetics of the vehicle. Older vehicles had a bumper made of plastic or metal. In general, it was dangerous for pedestrians. The shocks were well cushioned when parked, when the bumper met another bumper, but there was the risk of serious injury to pedestrians in the event of an accident.
Bumpers Modern shocks are better integrated as they are taken more seriously into account during the design of the car by the automaker. Thus, the bumper can help to highlight the design of a vehicle, whether it is sporty, sober or elegant. This element also allows the brand to assert its image in coordination with the grille and headlights. Some specially shaped bumpers can provide the necessary strength at the front axle.
Another aspect of modern bumpers is their degree of efficiency. Thanks to their particular shape, the air is correctly evacuated to reduce air resistance and help reduce the fuel consumption of your used car. Current bumpers therefore play a more important role. They have become very safe and aim above all to protect pedestrians and cyclists in the event of an accident.
Regulation at the level of car bumpers
Regulation no has not provided specific mentions concerning the bumper. However, it mentions it in certain articles of the Highway Code:
Article R321-24 specifies that all the equipment making up the vehicle is subject to approval and that any modification, even initiated by the manufacturer, is subject to a new homologation.
This means that removing the bumper or adding additional elements such as hitches or a non-homologated bull bar makes the vehicle non-compliant with the regulations for the circulation and sale of used cars .
Article R321-25 indicates that any device already approved that may present dangers to road safety, public health and environmental protection must be recalled by the vehicle manufacturer for modification.
This article implies for the definition of the bumper, a specification taking into account the concept of security element.
Maintenance of bumpers
The bumpers modern, integrated and often painted shocks are subject ts with scratches or tearing of the plastic material.
For these small repairs, there are solutions:
The use of kits that can be found in DIY stores for a price relatively reasonable (20 € on average), composed of resin and fiberglass, accompanied by a chemical hardener.The use of samples of the manufacturer's color applicable with a brush or pencil on sale in the manufacturer's network for an oscillating price between 20 and 40 € the pot, which can be used for small painting jobs.
As soon as the damage with a vehicle as such is more important, it will be necessary to replace the bumper. -pose, it is relatively simple and quick, provided that all the fixing points are identified (bring a technical review of the model). If you are selling your used car, repairing its bumper is one of the points to be repaired before selling your car.
If the removal and installation does not present any particular difficulty, it is often necessary to paint the new shield; this technical operation will preferably be entrusted to a bodybuilder-painter. Often, to intervene on the vehicle (headlight optics - radiator - engine, coupling, etc.), it is necessary to remove the bumper.
The bumpers constitute a point of control during the technical control , that is why it is necessary to repair any protruding angles of the damaged bumper or crumpled sheet metal.
How much does a bumper cost?
Bumpers can be purchased from various suppliers, namely:
Manufacturer networks: They are the first suppliers of bumpers: in general, prices vary between 400 and 1000 €. Their advantage is the supply of original parts, which meets the EEC - R42 approval criteria. Auto parts sales companies: For a long time, manufacturers had a monopoly on sales of new auto body parts. The press release of the Competition Authority of April 11, 2012 put an end to this, despite an appeal from the interested parties, which was rejected, thus allowing equipment manufacturers to sell shields with all NF and EEC certified brands. at prices between 20 and 40% lower than the original price. Online shopping: There are many websites offering bumpers at discounted prices, which is 70 to 80% lower than the original. It is important to remain cautious when it comes to online purchases so as not to fall into a deception, because many being copies, not approved and sometimes even dangerous, can engage your responsibility in the event of bodily accident.
The Kyump Service: Kyump deals with the sale of vehicles after having carried out a complete examination by an automobile inspector and this, free of charge. The mechanic performs a 200 checkpoint inspection of the car to reassure buyers, who will know exactly what condition your car is in! This allows an efficient sale: this last inspection allows us to validate the car, and to guarantee it 6 months. You will thus achieve a quick sale and at the best price in relation to the market.
