Volvo Front Bumpers
Bumper is one of the car parts and accessories that elicit the first reactions
from any passer-bys. It is considered as the car's "face" that gives the first
reaction regarding the car's over-all stance and condition. That is why the bumpers
must be in topmost condition that can speak up for the vehicle's unique style
and design. Wide array of bumpers under different brands like Volvo bumper can
be found in the market both in traditional and web-based stores. Anyone will surely
have fun in choosing.
Car bumpers, particularly front bumpers, are also considered as custom accessories
to
show the user's uniqueness and individuality. It can also be matched with other
car parts and accessories to achieve the dream look anyone visualizes for their
car. Such added accessories and parts may include bumper stickers, funny bumper
stickers, bumper filler, bracket, cover, retainer, absorber, reinforcement, moulding,
step bars, light guards, sporty grilles, light lens, trim strip, turn signal and
many others.
Generally, bumpers are shield installed on the front and rear portions of the
vehicle. It is usually made of steel, rubber, aluminum or plastic. Its function
is not only molded for style and design, it also serves as a barrier to protect
the vehicle from damages especially during low speed collisions. Some custom bumpers
feature energy absorbers or brackets which serve as a foam cushioning component
to absorb shocks and further damage. Bumpers which include truck bumpers, jeep
bumpers and all types of bumpers for various car makes are designed not as a safety
feature that would protect the passenger of the car against severe injuries but
rather it is crafted to cover up the important components of the vehicle in cases
of collisions which include the hood, trunk, grille, fuel, exhaust, cooling system
and lighting system made up of parking lights, headlamps and taillights.
For better car bumper performance, NHTSA required bumper standards for passenger
cars for front bumpers and rear bumpers. The bumper standard is only applicable
at barrier
impact speeds of 21/2 mph for the width and 11/2 mph for the corners. It requires
protection in the area 16-20 inches above the surface of the road which would
depend on the manufacturer's choice. The federal bumper standard is only applicable
for passenger cars. The first standard was issued on April 9, 1971 as Federal
Motor Vehicle safety Standard.
In 1981, evaluation of the bumper standard was done. It determined the effects
of the standard to the users and consumers. Results show that bumper cars which
failed to comply with the standards have greater net consumer loss. After another
evaluation conducted in 1987, a generalization was concluded which shows that
the consumer cost does not actually change due to the supposed car auto bumper
standard. Based on the 10 years life span of the vehicle, the cost of bumper repair
is offset by the reduction in the cost of the bumper itself and lastly, the change
in the auto car bumper standard does not directly affect other car components
that the bumper protects. |