| Bumpers are one of the most essential auto | | | | tests at various speeds. |
| parts. They serve both an aesthetic and practical | | | | In order to pass, the car's damage level during |
| function. They are also important safety features. | | | | the crash must be below a specific dollar level. |
| Bumpers are made of heavy sheet metal and are | | | | This protects the consumer and is very important |
| mounted on the front and rear of the car. | | | | for keeping the cost of automobile insurance to a |
| Bumpers are bent and formed into specific | | | | minimum. Sometimes bumpers are constructed |
| shapes in order to absorb and deliver momentum | | | | with built-in "crumple zones." Crumple zones are |
| during a collision. In the event of a collision, the | | | | designed to absorb impact; they will flex on |
| bumper absorbs some of the impact, which | | | | impact. As the metal flexes, the action of the |
| decreases damage to the car and its occupants. | | | | bending metal converts the kinetic energy of the |
| It also protects the front of the car by diverting | | | | car into heat. Kinetic energy is the energy an |
| all of the car's momentum to the object with | | | | object possesses while it is in motion. |
| which it has collided. The bumper is mounted to | | | | GM automobiles are all equipped with capable |
| the car's chassis with special impact absorbers. | | | | bumpers that help protect the vehicle from |
| These shock absorbers are often spring loaded. In | | | | serious damages in the event of a collision. |
| slow speed collisions, this allows the bumper to | | | | However, like all auto parts, bumpers will |
| compress, and then extend back to its original | | | | eventually get damaged or defective due to |
| position. All bumpers are designed to absorb the | | | | accidents, wear and tear and corrosion. Usually |
| energy of the impact. They do this through a | | | | such damages will weaken the bumper's ability to |
| series of valves and air chambers. | | | | absorb the shock of collision. Thus, it is a |
| Some car bumpers have hydraulic chambers. In | | | | necessity to replace old and damaged bumpers |
| the event of a collision, the absorption unit allows | | | | with a new one. Replacement GM Bumpers can |
| air and/or hydraulic fluid to pass through small | | | | be purchased from auto parts dealers |
| openings. Forcing the air/fluid through the valve | | | | everywhere. However, to be sure of quality and |
| openings absorbs the energy from the collision. | | | | durability, purchase only from a reliable and |
| The bumper's job is to minimize damage, primarily | | | | trustworthy auto parts store with an established |
| to the occupants of the vehicle and to the vehicle | | | | reputation. |
| itself. US law requires cars to pass special crash | | | | |