Getting to Know Car Bumpers, From Function to Modification

The car bumper is the outermost component of a car located at the front or rear. The shape of the car bumper varies significantly, depending on the type of car itself. 

In the past, car bumpers were not considered a mandatory component of a car. Unlike today, the presence of this component is now deemed important and must be present in every car. 

Looking into the brief history of the origin of car bumpers, their use first appeared in the 20th century. Car bumpers at that time were used as shields or protectors. Their function was specifically to reduce the impact of damage when the front of the car experienced a collision.

Initially, car bumpers were made from nothing more than thick, rigid steel plates and were only installed at the front. The construction of the bumper was also not reliable as it was only attached with bolts and spring hangers. 

However, along with the development of the automotive industry, the evolution of car bumpers continued. In the 1970s to 1980s, engineers developed plastics and fibers that could be used as materials for car bumpers. 

The use of these materials became more widespread and was considered a lightweight component that could reduce vehicle weight. The lighter the vehicle, the more fuel-efficient it becomes. 

This development of car bumpers is what has allowed cars to be born with different appearances and has persisted to this day. In fact, car bumpers now seem to become the identity of a car brand. 

Function of Car Bumpers 

Car bumpers are part of the safety system while driving. This component will be affected if a collision occurs. Its position is also at the outermost part or rear of the car. 

Considering the importance of car bumpers, is their function only as a collision absorber? To clarify, let's take a look at the following review. 

1. Protecting the Fuel Tank and Engine 

Whether at the front or rear, the presence of car bumpers can protect the fuel tank and engine. With the existence of car bumpers, collisions will not directly destroy the engine or fuel tank, thus minimizing damage. However, this depends on how hard the impact is. 

2. Protecting Passengers 

Car bumpers can protect the driver and passengers and reduce the impact of a severe collision in the event of an accident. However, both passengers and drivers are still required to wear seat belts as an additional safety system. 

3. Improving the Appearance of the Car 

With the development of the automotive industry, the presence of car bumpers is not only as a protective tool but also enhances the car's appearance. It is no wonder that many people enjoy modifying bumpers to make their beloved cars more visually appealing. 

Materials for Car Bumpers 

With the development of the automotive industry, the materials used in the manufacture of car bumpers have undergone a transition. Initially, they were made of rigid iron metal, but this made the vehicle heavier and more fuel-consuming. 

Then they were made from lightweight steel but had drawbacks in vehicle acceleration. However, many car industries now produce car bumpers from fiber or plastic. 

These materials are considered more efficient because they are easy to repair when the car bumper is damaged. They are also considered safer and more environmentally friendly if the car collides at low speeds. 

Here are some materials commonly used in the manufacture of car bumpers. 

1. Polypropylene 

Polypropylene (PP) is known as the most widely used synthetic plastic by car bumper manufacturers. This type of plastic is rough and highly resistant to various types of chemicals. This material is also said to be environmentally friendly.

2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the thermoplastics that has flexibility against hot and cold temperatures.

3. Polystyrene (PS) 

Polystyrene (PS) is a polymer with a styrene monomer, a liquid hydrocarbon commercially produced from petroleum. At room temperature, polystyrene is usually a solid thermoplastic and can melt at higher temperatures. Pure solid polystyrene is a hard, colorless plastic and has flexibility, allowing it to be shaped into various products with excellent detail. 

4. Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

This type of plastic has elastic, transparent characteristics and is resistant to low temperatures without changing shape. 

5. Polycarbonate 

This is one of the easiest types of plastic to mold and shape. The advantage of this material is that it is also heat-resistant. 

6. Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) 

This material is classified as one of the thermoplastics used as a conductor in the electrical, electronics, and automotive industries. The advantage of this material is its heat resistance. 

7. Polyoxymethylene (POM) 

POM material has rigidity and tends to be stable at low temperatures. 

Furthermore, bumpers made from plastic or fiber tend to be easily shaped according to the type and model of the car. In Japan, fiber bumpers are the most popular because, in addition to being lightweight, their models are also diverse. 

Metal Bumpers 

Metal bumpers are usually bumpers made from lightweight steel. Metal bumpers are considered to have a high level of safety while driving because they can protect the driver during light to heavy collisions. 

Most Popular Car Bumper Modifications 

For automotive enthusiasts, car bumpers are often not only seen as a safety component while driving. They are also viewed for their aesthetic function, as car bumpers are located at the front or rear of the car, making them a prime target for modifications. 

This means that the original car bumper is stored and replaced with a new one according to preference. The goal is singular: to make the car's appearance more attractive. 

Speaking of modification tastes, most male automotive enthusiasts modify their car bumpers with a bold, sturdy, and sporty concept. Meanwhile, women tend to prefer minimalist designs.

Plastic or Fiber Car Bumpers 

In the world of modifications, the variety of car bumper shapes is very diverse. This is why fiber and fiberglass mold bumpers are highly sought after. Besides being able to be shaped according to desire, they are affordable and quite strong. 

However, there is a notion that bumpers made from fiber or plastic are too flexible and even easily damaged. In fact, behind their character, fiber materials are supported by chassis components, whether ladder-type or monocoque, making them safer during collisions. 

Metal or Metallic Car Bumpers 

From a safety perspective, fiber bumpers are actually considered safer than metal bumpers. Although they appear more luxurious and cool, metal bumpers can reduce or even hinder their function as effective collision absorbers. 

But again, it comes down to personal taste; whether to modify with fiber or metal bumpers, it all depends on preference. 

ARB Car Bumpers (Bull Bar) 

In addition to the types of car bumper modifications mentioned earlier, there is one type of car bumper that is also popular in the market, namely ARB. This model was initially created to minimize damage when vehicles travel in rural areas. Allegedly, this was due to the many livestock that were hit while crossing the road. 

However, due to its rigid construction and unlike bumpers made from fiber or plastic, the ARB bumper model is considered less effective in absorbing impacts. More than that, many customers are satisfied with using this ARB bumper because it can make the car look sturdier and more aggressive. 

Sports car owners are certainly familiar with this model of car bumper. Off-road or adventure-type vehicles also look more handsome when equipped with this ARB bumper accessory.

Author: Dinno Baskoro