Toyota bumper covers are typically made of either durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or more resilient polycarbonate (PC). These materials are chosen for their strength and ability to absorb impact energy, which helps protect both the vehicle and its occupants in the event of a collision. Bumper covers are designed to cover the actual bumper of a Toyota vehicle and are available as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from Toyota-certified parts manufacturers . They are also available as aftermarket options from various brands and manufacturers.
Contents
- How can you tell if a bumper is plastic?
- What type of plastic is my bumper?
- What material is a bumper cover made of?
- Which cars have metal bumpers?
- Is my bumper plastic or metal?
- What material is used for bumper cars?
- Are aftermarket bumpers as good as OEM?
- What are OEM car bumpers made of?
- What are modern car bumpers made of?
- What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket bumpers?
How can you tell if a bumper is plastic?
3 Ways to Identify Plastic
- Look at the color of the raw plastic. If it’s black or gray, generally it’s a thermoplastic.
- Look for the ID mark on the back of the bumper cover (pictured above). There should be a 2-3 letter ID that you can look up.
- Lightly grind the plastic to see if it smears or powders.
What type of plastic is my bumper?
3 Ways to Identify Plastic
If it’s black or gray, generally it’s a thermoplastic. If it’s yellow or tan, generally it’s a thermoset. Look for the ID mark on the back of the bumper cover (pictured above). There should be a 2-3 letter ID that you can look up.
What material is a bumper cover made of?
Bumper covers are usually made of plastic or fiberglass, and some are made with fabric and leather. As the name implies, a bumper cover is a protective layer placed on the outside of your vehicle’s bumper. It’s essentially an extra layer of protection in the event of an accident, big or small.
Which cars have metal bumpers?
Metal bumpers are relatively durable but also costly to produce. They are likewise more prone to denting than plastic but are more difficult to repair simultaneously. Metal bumpers are now mostly found on antique cars and larger commercial vehicles like freight trucks.
Is my bumper plastic or metal?
It is no secret that many cars use plastic for parts that were once made of metal. Bumpers are a prime example of a part that was once metal that is now plastic. Most bumpers, both front and rear, are plastic and are affixed to the metal frame of the car.
What material is used for bumper cars?
Plastic is the preferred material for modern car bumpers for several reasons. First and foremost, plastic is much lighter and more aerodynamic than metal, which improves the car’s fuel efficiency. Plastic is also easier to shape, which is useful during both the manufacturing and bumper repair process.
Are aftermarket bumpers as good as OEM?
Yes, there will be a difference in quality. They are not necessarily made from the same materials or molds as the OEM parts. Any savings in cost on aftermarket body parts is often made up for by the additional work to get proper fitment and paint quality during install.
What are OEM car bumpers made of?
Most OEM bumpers are made out of plastic and feature an aluminum or steel reinforcement bar hidden in the middle. Some bumpers may also contain polypropylene in order to help absorb energy during an impact.
What are modern car bumpers made of?
Polycarbonate. Like polypropylene, polycarbonate is so resistant to impact that it is often used for car bumpers and headlight lenses. This kind of car plastic is highly resistant to weathering, able to handle conditions from rain and snow to heat and cold.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket bumpers?
OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and almost always come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. They may cost more than what the aftermarket offers, but the trade-off is a likely simpler purchase process. If you’re looking for a fast, simple experience and don’t mind paying extra, OEM is often the way to go.