The bumper absorbs impact whenever there's a front-end collision, while the bumper cover is the part that serves as an aesthetic fitting over the actual bumper. Bumpers are replaced for safety, while bumper covers are replaced for aesthetic purposes.

Minor issues can usually be repaired, but more serious damage could require a new replacement bumper. The choice between bumper repair or replacement will come down to the extent of the damage. Typically minor scratches, dents and chips can be easily repaired using specialized tools found in an auto body shop.

Bumpers today They are no longer made of steel and rubber, but of a plastic outer fascia over a lightweight, impact-absorbing polystyrene foam core.

Find bumpers by the numbers that are stamped into the back of the bumper. Almost all bumpers have numbers stamped in the back that, more than likely, have nothing to do with the OEM part number.