Bumper Cover vs. Bumper: What's the Difference?
December 31, 2020
There's a good chance you've been misidentifying two critical features of your car ‐ the bumper and bumper cover! These parts are also one of the first parts of the car people see, and many people consider them to be essentially the same thing.
However, the bumper and bumper cover perform two different duties. Here's a closer look at the differences between a bumper and a bumper cover and what they do for your Nissan.
Which One Is the Bumper & Which One is the Bumper Cover?
The bumper is the more durable, heavy-duty component designed to absorb the bulk of a collision. Your Nissan's bumper, which is sometimes referred to as the impact bar, is a metal bar attached to the front and rear of your vehicle that helps minimize physical damage in the event of a collision. A bumper is intended for function over form and isn't the most attractive part of any vehicle.
That's where the bumper cover comes in. This component covers the bumper and bumper mounts. The front bumper cover supports the car's grille, while the rear bumper cover may include the license plate mounting area.
Since a bumper cover's purpose is mostly aesthetic, it doesn't typically provide much in terms of vehicle safety ‐ similar to other cosmetic components on your vehicle, like a spoiler.
When to Replace a Bumper or Bumper Cover
Though a bumper cover isn't designed to stand up to severe collisions, it's still more than just a pretty face. Your bumper cover is tough enough to handle inclement weather, road debris, and more. In fact, modern bumpers and bumper covers are typically designed to withstand front-end collisions at up to five miles per hour without incurring any damage.
That's all the leeway you may get, however. Incidents of a more significant magnitude will likely require a new bumper cover, bumper, or both. If a collision leaves your car's bumper cover or bumper compromised, it's crucial to protect the vehicle's structural integrity with replacement parts tailor-made from Nissan Parts to fit your vehicle.
When getting a replacement bumper cover for your Nissan, it's important to note that the new bumper cover part does not come painted. Once your new bumper cover has been professionally installed at your local Nissan service center, you can have your new bumper cover color matched and painted at a body shop in order to match your Nissan.
If you need additional info about your Nissan, easily access owners manuals here.
When It's Time for a New Bumper or Bumper Cover
Is it time to replace your Nissan's bumper? Ensure you get the right type and fit for your Nissan with genuine Nissan Parts & Accessories. Simply select your vehicle year, model, and trim to get a curated list of body, interior, and trim components designed for your Nissan. Then, visit your local Nissan service center for professional help installing your new bumper or bumper cover to ensure your Nissan is ready for the road!