Car Bumper Repair Tips

Even the most cautious drivers are bound to get a dent or scratch on their car bumper from time to time. The damage caused by a rogue shopping cart at the grocery store in Raleigh or a small fender-bender in the drive-thru is hopefully very minor, but proud vehicle owners will still want to have their car fixed. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to fix your car bumper at home. For more serious jobs, you can rely on the service department at BMW of Southpoint! Schedule an appointment if you’d like us to take a look, or read on for our top tips regarding DIY car bumper repair.

Fix a Car Bumper at Home

If the damage to your bumper is so extensive that you don’t think you could fix it at home, the smartest course of action is to consult with a service center for guidance. Car bumper repair costs can vary pretty greatly based on how much material and equipment is needed. You might be able to fix a car bumper for as little as $50 if it’s a tiny dent or scratch, but car bumper repair can cost upwards of $1,500 if things like lights, sensors, or cameras were affected. If a full bumper replacement is needed, you will want to have it completed by a trusted service professional.

For minor damage like small dents, cracks, or surface-level paint scratches, utilize these car bumper repair tips:

How to Get a Dent Out of a Car Bumper

To fix car bumper dents at home, you’ll need a heat gun or hair dryer, a pry bar, car jack and jack stands, safety glasses, and gloves. Park your car on level ground, then raise it using the car jack and jack stands. If your car has a splash guard, you may need to remove it. Apply heat to the dent with your heat gun or hair dryer. Once the area is warm enough, position the pry bar on the inner wall of the bumper and apply gentle pressure to pop the dent out. Put pressure on the deepest portion of the dent first, then work through its surface until the dent is remedied to a satisfactory level.

How to Remove Scratches From a Car Bumper

If you tapped the wall in your garage and were left with some surface-level paint damage, you should be able to buff it out with a buffing compound, a drill with a buffer attachment, and a touch-up pen. To get started, clean the area thoroughly. Apply the buffing compound to the scratch, then use the drill with the buffer attachment to buff out the scratch. Run your finger along the scratch to see if you can still feel it. If the scratch still has a bit of depth, you can add a layer of clear coat. Allow it to dry completely, then touch up the area with your touch-up paint pen.

This process will only work for surface-level paint scratches. If you don’t have a touch-up pen, our BMW parts department can help you order one from the OEM that will match the color of your car.

Rely On Us for Expert Auto Care

DIY car bumper repair can quickly turn into an overwhelming project to take on at home in Cary. If you’d prefer to let a team of professionals handle the job, BMW of Southpoint is here to help. Contact us for more information, and feel free to check out our other service tips for help with tire rotation, oil changes, and more.