Fix Your Bumper with Hot Water
Template:AccuracyEvery year over 6 million people are in car accidents, not including unreported accidents. Many accidents are minor property damage only, such as; as "fender bender" or damage to your front or back bumper. If your bumper is made of a light-weight plastic, in many cases, this is easily repairable at home. The average cost for bumper replacement is $200-$1300, if you choose to pay someone, depending on the severity of the damage. These plastic materials can be easily manipulated by the use of hot water. The hot water will melt the plastic allowing it to be remolded. Different types of plastic have different melting points because they are different chemical compounds so boiling water at home may not be sufficient for all plastics. Following the steps below will cost you less than a few pennies if you have all of the other normal household items.
Contents
Steps
- Take a look at the plasitc bumper. If the plastic is crakced or broken this will not be possible with this method.
- Remove the bumper. NOTE: Depending on the make and model of your vehicle this is generally a simple process. The bumper is held on by a few screws under the belly of the car and can easily be take off with simple tools like a screw driver or rachet.
- Boil water in a large pot after you have removed the bumper. This should take about 15-20 minutes bepending on the amount of the water and the amount of water in the pot.
- Place a tarp or blanket on even ground.
- Face the damage are toward the ground so that you can pour the water on the back of the damaged area.
- Quickly pour the hot water on damaged area.
- Once you have poured all of the water on the damaged area push the damage area in so that it pops back to it's orignal state.
- Allow the bumper to cool, then replace the bumper.
Tips
- You may need a friends help to hold the bumper while you pout the water on the damaged area.
Warnings
- Boiled water can severely burn your skin. Protects your hand with pot holders and your fit with shoes or boots, always wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts to protect your legs is recommended.
