By Terry
Brown
Bumpers are one of the most essential auto parts. They serve
both an aesthetic and practical function. They are also important
safety features. Bumpers are made of heavy sheet metal and are
mounted on the front and rear of the car. Bumpers are bent and
formed into specific shapes in order to absorb and deliver momentum
during a collision.
In the event of a
collision, the bumper absorbs some of the impact, which decreases
damage to the car and its occupants. It also protects the front of
the car by diverting all of the car's momentum to the object with
which it has collided.
The bumper is
mounted to the car's chassis with special impact absorbers. These
shock absorbers are often spring loaded. In slow speed collisions,
this allows the bumper to compress, and then extend back to its
original position. All bumpers are designed to absorb the energy of
the impact. They do this through a series of valves and air
chambers. Some car
bumpers have hydraulic
chambers. In the event of a collision, the absorption unit
allows air and/or hydraulic fluid to pass through small openings.
Forcing the air/fluid through the valve openings absorbs the energy
from the collision.
The bumper's job
is to minimize damage, primarily to the occupants of the vehicle and
to the vehicle itself. US law requires cars to pass special crash
tests at various speeds. In order to pass, the car's damage level
during the crash must be below a specific dollar level. This
protects the consumer and is very important for keeping the cost of
automobile insurance to a minimum.
Sometimes bumpers
are constructed with built-in "crumple zones." Crumple zones are
designed to absorb impact; they will flex on impact. As the metal
flexes, the action of the bending metal converts the kinetic energy
of the car into heat. Kinetic energy is the energy an object
possesses while it is in motion.
GM automobiles are
all equipped with capable bumpers that help protect the vehicle from
serious damages in the event of a collision. However, like all auto
parts, bumpers will eventually get damaged or defective due to
accidents, wear and tear and corrosion. Usually such damages will
weaken the bumper's ability to absorb the shock of collision. Thus,
it is a necessity to replace old and damaged bumpers with a new one.
Replacement
GM
Bumpers can be purchased from
auto parts dealers everywhere. However, to be sure of quality and
durability, purchase only from a reliable and trustworthy auto parts
store with an established reputation. One of the best choices in
auto parts stores today is Auto Parts Inner. It has
already been recognized as an excellent source of relevant and
useful automotive information. Its comprehensive inside look into
the automobile makes one marvel at the technology that has given us
our vehicles.
Similarly, it now
has a very comprehensive array of high quality auto parts including
top-notch GM
Parts. Auto Parts Inner offers
a variety of GM Parts including GM A/C
Condensers, GM Bumpers, GM
Carpets, GM
Catalytic Converter, GM Mirror,
GM
Radiator, GM Spoiler, GM
Tailgate, GM Weatherstripping, GM Fuel
Tanks and other affordable and
high quality parts.
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from
Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is
currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts
company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source
of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in
need of automotive research.