Can Bumpers Be Used In The Winter?

Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by Leepu Da Maxim

Yes, you can use bumpers in the winter season. However, you should keep in mind that the winter weather can affect the performance of the bumpers. For example, if your bumper is made from plastic then it will crack below minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Key Takeaways

• Bumpers reduce the severity of accidents and protect pedestrians from injury in a collision
• Car bumpers are made of a type of plastic named polypropylene and which is known for its toughness and flexibility
• Using bumpers in the winter season can reduce visibility by obstructing the view of the road
• A bumper can increase the weight of the vehicle and make it difficult to accelerate, brake, and steer, in slippery conditions

Types Of Bumpers

Bumpers	Main Features
Standard Bumper	It is the most common bumper that can be found in most vehicles and is made of a mixture of plastics.
Deep Drop Bumper	It is a chrome option and is present in older vehicles. They are also a good option since they offer a heavy-duty towing capacity.
Roll Pan Bumper	This bumper is found on compact trucks that are customized. Also, towing hitches are available and placed in the middle.
Step Bumper	Some SUVs, vans, and trucks use this bumper. Here this option allows it to be used as a lightweight trailer.
Tube Bumper	This bumper is primarily present on Jeep vehicles.

Do You Need Bumpers On A Car?

Bumpers are usually really necessary to be able to drive a vehicle. In fact, not only do these components have the ability to prevent driver damage, but they are mandatory in many parts of the world. Therefore, anyone driving a vehicle without a bumper can be fined severely at any time.

In fact, in the United States bumpers are mandatory when we consider most jurisdictions and all vehicles. At the same time, there are several major reasons why this regulation has been in place for some time. For one thing, the safety systems of any vehicle are not damaged in any way in the event of a low-speed impact.

This is not only safe but also saves the vehicle owner a certain amount of money. In the same way, a bumper not only protects the people inside the vehicle but also the pedestrians around it. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the injuries that anyone can suffer in a dangerous situation. 

What Kind Of Plastic Is Used In Car Bumpers?

Here, it is necessary to consider that most manufacturers do not use only one type of plastic. On the contrary, much better results are obtained when some different plastics are combined during manufacturing. This makes it much easier to use the benefits and advantages that each material can offer.

Some of the most common plastics used during the manufacture of bumpers are thermoplastic olefins, polyurethane, polyesters, polyamides, polypropylene, and polycarbonate. That is why it is quite common to find a specific combination of all these materials in those high-quality bumpers.

Therefore, a high-quality bumper will have the ability to absorb the kinetic energy of impacts more efficiently. This in turn is the quality that allows for the protection of people traveling in a vehicle. In the same way, this combination of plastics can best protect other pedestrians.

How Do Bumpers Protect People In Cars?

In principle, bumpers are designed to reduce the impact that people or important circuits of the same vehicle may suffer. That is why a certain combination of plastics and materials is used to obtain maximum functionality. Whether it is the rear or the front part of the vehicle, bumpers try to prevent or reduce physical damage.

When it comes to a low-speed crash, the entire amount of damage is considerably reduced with this type of bumper. In turn, this part is also essential for the vehicle, as it protects the cooling system, exhaust, fuel, grille, trunk, and hood. 

Additionally, it is also important to consider that bumpers, in general, are also made of aluminum rubber, and/or steel. Here, the combination of these materials with plastic forms the main shield of a vehicle at all times. The best bumpers have the potential to prevent a large number of fatal accidents every day. 

When Did Cars Stop Having Bumpers?

In particular, today’s bumpers are still incorporated into all vehicles in general. However, between 1974 and 1982 bumper designs have been drastically modified. As a result, a large number of important government regulations have been implemented here.

So, the new requirement was to develop new bumpers that manage to avoid some damage. In particular, impacts with a speed of up to 5 miles per hour should not damage the vehicle or people at all. This is why the impact standards were significantly reduced after 1982.

In fact, after that year, these standards were reduced by about half. In turn, this was of some benefit to car manufacturers for several reasons. Primarily, these manufacturers sought to develop cheaper bumpers than those that had been manufactured previously. So, the reduction of impacts allowed for great benefits in this regard.

How Much Do Bumpers Cost?

Just like any other part of a vehicle, bumpers can be expensive to repair. Here, it is important to consider the quality of the different options that are available in the market. If a bumper cannot be repaired, then it will be necessary to think about a replacement.

In this case, it is necessary to have a budget of a few hundred dollars if you want to get a regular quality bumper. Of course, here you do not get the highest level of safety or protection for yourself and the rest of the people. It’s not even really convenient for a vehicle either, since a bumper allows you to protect the most vulnerable parts of your car.

So, you also need to keep in mind that high-end sports cars need a few thousand dollars for their bumpers. So, you need to consider the model of a vehicle, as this determines the design of the bumper. Beyond that, a bumper is an essential part of protecting your vehicle and your life. 

What Is A 5 Mph Bumper?

In particular, a 5 mph bumper means a benchmark that vehicle manufacturers and owners should consider. Specifically, it is the maximum speed a bumper should be able to handle without damage. This relates to regulations that have been implemented since 1982 in several jurisdictions.

Beyond that, it should be noted that a large number of bumpers fail to meet this requirement. Besides, bumpers that meet this requirement also can protect people from high-speed accidents. This is why it is a convenient option for most people.

However, the main factor that makes it possible to protect people from fatal accidents is the combination of materials. In general, bumpers are made of plastic rubber, and some metals. As the combination is more integral and of high quality, then the protection will be more appropriate. 

Are Plastic Bumpers Good?

In general, bumpers made of plastic can provide several advantages or benefits for vehicle owners. It is necessary to consider that bumpers are not usually manufactured with only one type of plastic. Instead, a variety of different plastics are used to obtain the highest functionality in a vehicle. 

Thus, plastic bumpers can provide a pleasing design in combination with a certain level of protection. In this way, excellent absorption of the kinetic energy produced by the impacts of an accident is obtained. In the same way, they are also a much cheaper option compared to bumpers made of metal. 

Can Plastic Bumpers Be Repaired?

Here, it is necessary to consider that some bumpers can be repaired depending on the damage they have suffered. Also, when the damage is too severe, the vehicle owner should consider a bumper replacement. Otherwise, the bumper will not be 100% functional and therefore will not be able to protect most appropriately.

However, when a person wants to cut costs, then a technician can mix the paints and repair the integrity of the bumper. Beyond that, experts recommend replacing a bumper, since it is important to be able to avoid fatal accidents at any time. 

Are All Bumpers Plastic?

As we have mentioned, not all bumpers today are made of plastic. Some options are manufactured with steel or aluminum to provide greater strength. On the other hand, some bumpers are manufactured with a set of different plastics. Thus, the combination of different plastics allows for increased functionality of the bumper.

Also, a reinforcement bar made of steel or aluminum is usually added. In this way, the bumper has the possibility of absorbing the kinetic energy produced by the impact of an accident. In this sense, polypropylene is essential to absorb this energy and prevent it from being directed toward people. 

Can I Drive Without A Bumper Cover?

In many parts of the world, it is illegal to drive without a rear bumper. Beyond that, the cover is only an additional accessory to complement the final design of a vehicle. That is why in most jurisdictions it is not illegal to drive without a bumper cover. Of course, you don’t get the best design for your vehicle, but you won’t get a ticket either.

References:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/modern-plastic-vehicle-parts-cracking-under-winter-s-cold-temperatures-1.2973997

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/crib-bumper-safety