TYJ Vehicle Parts is a professional auto parts brand in China, specializing in auto body parts manufacturing.
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TYJ Vehicle Parts is a professional auto parts brand in China, specializing in auto body parts manufacturing.
Learn all about car bumpers - what they are, how they work, and the common types of bumpers in cars.
Often, people think car bumpers are simple parts of the vehicle, but that is not true. The auto bumper does much more than give the car a sleek look. They are a part of safety, and maintaining them is your duty - if you fail to do so, the car bumpers will get inefficient. If you have ever owned a car, perhaps you can give a basic definition of a bumper, but there is much more to reveal. So, let's gear up!
What is a Car Bumper?
Before we look into what auto bumpers do, let's see what it is. An auto bumper is a protective structure that is attached to the front and rear ends of any vehicle. It is made in a way that absorbs minor impacts in low-speed collisions - the primary role is to protect the car's body and the people in it. You must have considered bumpers as part of aesthetics, but they have a major role in the safety of the car.
In present-day cars, bumpers are made of plastic or fibreglass that is reinforced with aluminum steel and thermoplastic material underneath. Three different materials are used to make them as lightweight as possible and strong enough to stand minor objects. They are flexible to some extent.
Car Bumper History
In the earliest cars of the 1800s, bumpers served the only purpose of aesthetics, but now they have gained much more importance. They were a little more than the steel bars attached to the front and the rear of the cars. It was less for protection and more as an ornamental accessory.
With advances in technology, bumpers were made of plastic with energy-absorbing materials. Safety regulations required the bumpers to withstand an impact of 5 mph without damage to the car’s body. They absorbed the low-speed impacts, but the focus was on protecting the car rather than the occupants.
Bumper protection has increased by using advanced materials like thermoplastic olefins and aluminum reinforcement that make bumpers lightweight and strong. Sensors and cameras are added to help occupants park easily and avoid collisions. They are made considering the occupant's safety as well.
How Do Car Bumpers Work?
Car bumpers can absorb energy and decrease damage during a collision. They achieve this through the following mechanisms:
Energy Absorption
Car bumper would absorb the energy that comes out during a collision due to high friction. It dissipates the energy over a large area. When the car hits another object or a car, the auto bumper will create a massive amount of kinetic energy. A high-quality bumper from an authentic source uses a combination of rigid materials and crumple zones to absorb this energy. In short, the force that reaches the inner parts is massively reduced to protect them.
Crumple Zones
Crumple zones are the areas that are made to compress or deform in a controlled manner upon impact. The deformation is highly important to reduce the risk of car damage to the sensitive parts.
Reinforcement Bar
Bumpers have reinforced bars made of metal being the outer plastic layer. These bars act as a supportive structure that distributes the entire energy. The auto bumper is made from aluminum or high-end steel, which makes it stronger without extra weight.
Types of Car Bumpers
Not all cars have the same type of bumpers. Some luxury cars have highly advanced bumpers, but no matter what type it is, their purpose remains the same. Let's take a closer look at different types of bumpers;
Standard Bumpers
Most of the sedans and SUVs come with standard bumpers that process against low-speed collisions. They make a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Off Road Bumpers
Bumpers made of steel are heavier, and more durable. They are commonly used in trucks and SUVs that are used for off-roading. It can withstand high temperatures from rocks, trees, or rough areas. They come with winch mounts and hooks for added utility.
Aerodynamic Bumpers
Aerodynamic bumpers are included in sports cars to decrease the drag and improve the fuel efficiency. They are extremely lightweight and are shaped in a way to direct airflow over and around the vehicle.
Step Bumpers
In pickup trucks, step bumpers have a flat step surface that allows for easier access to the truck bed. It gives standard protection to the users.
In a Nutshell!
Car bumpers prioritize the safety of the vehicle and its passengers. The auto bumper can reduce the impacts of hits and save you from costly repairs. It's essential to understand how they work and what they are made of to make the right decision to buy a bumper. One of the leading places to buy high-quality replacement burners or parts is our website.
