Bumper and Fender Repair
Been in an accident?
Fender Bender? We Can Help.
Unfortunately, even the smallest accident can leave the front of your car in rough shape, but the good news is that a lot of bumper and fender damage can be repaired without being replaced. This is where we come in.
So let’s say you got into a fender bender and you want your old car back as soon as possible. All you have to do is to schedule an appointment with us for a fender or bumper repair and we can get you back on your wheels as soon as possible!
Your Bumper, the First Thing to Go
Bumpers have changed quite a bit since the 1960s. What were once glorious hunks of chromed steel spanning the front and back of the car, are now metal bars hidden behind plastic fascias. Gone are the days of chunky rubber bars and low-speed crash invincibility. Unfortunately, since the bumpers were moved closer to the cabin, the front and rear fascias (plastic bumper covers) on a modern car are the first to break during an accident. Luckily, plastic is relatively easy to fix, and here at Mackin’s, we have the training and tools to repair almost all types of plastic.
Fender Bender? We Can Help.
Unfortunately, even the smallest accident can leave the front of your car in rough shape, but the good news is that a lot of bumper and fender damage can be repaired without being replaced. This is where we come in.
So let’s say you got into a fender bender and you want your old car back as soon as possible. All you have to do is to schedule an appointment with us for a fender or bumper repair and we can get you back on your wheels as soon as possible!
Your Bumper, the First Thing to Go
Bumpers have changed quite a bit since the 1960s. What were once glorious hunks of chromed steel spanning the front and back of the car, are now metal bars hidden behind plastic fascias. Gone are the days of chunky rubber bars and low-speed crash invincibility. Unfortunately, since the bumpers were moved closer to the cabin, the front and rear fascias (plastic bumper covers) on a modern car are the first to break during an accident. Luckily, plastic is relatively easy to fix, and here at Mackin’s, we have the training and tools to repair almost all types of plastic.
Repairing Plastic Bumper Covers
To complete a cracked bumper repair, we have nitrogen plastic welders that work very similarly to metal welders. These machines emit hot nitrogen gas to restructure broken plastic components; the nitrogen ensures that the heat doesn’t damage the bumper cover. Even tears, cracks, small holes, large dents or impressions can be fixed instead of replaced in many instances. When fixed properly, these welds will not fail and are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Like metal welding, plastic welds are as strong or stronger than the original product.
Front & Rear Bumper Replacements
Occasionally, a bumper is beyond repairable so we will have to order you a rear or front bumper replacement. The price of a replacement piece ultimately depends on the make, model, and year of your car, but since we only use quality parts and OEM procedures, you know that it will last. Front or rear bumper replacement can be a bit trickier on newer cars than older cars, because of sensors that may be integrated into the piece.
Watch Out for Hidden Damages
Since the exterior bumper covers and some outer panels are used for aesthetics and aerodynamics, they can easily cover up actual, structural damage to the metal bumper hiding behind. Even minor impacts can have hidden or structural damage that is covered up, which is why it’s important to have professionals look at your car after any accident to assess frame damage. Damage behind the fascias and other panels can be serious, and in most cases, will not be found until the damaged exterior parts are removed. Be skeptical of estimate amounts before the damaged parts are removed. Over 70% of vehicles have more damage that is not seen until it is in the shop.
Safety at Any Speed
Each car model sold in the USA must meet a set of standards dictated by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in order to make it to a dealership; these standards are there to ensure your safe travels. For example, every car is required to have collision safety structures called “crumple zones” (on the front, back, and sides). These are structural safety features that absorb kinetic energy during a crash in order to prevent excessive damage to the cabin, which ultimately protects you and your loved ones. The invention of these metal crush zones is one of the reasons why cars are so safe today, but their collapsibility means your vehicle may need extensive metal work done.
Fender Bender Repair
Bent panels and fenders are often repairable, and we won’t consider replacing them unless we think they’re a lost cause. These metal components can be returned to their original form using special hammers and bending equipment. For example, all it takes to do a bumper dent repair is a couple of hours of reshaping the steel using specialized tools. In some instances, we may need to remove a section of a metal panel, in which case we will use our OEM-approved welding equipment.
Mackin’s is not a restoration or modification auto body shop—our specialty is full collision repair, but that’s as far as we go.
How Do We Decide Whether to Repair or Replace?
Replacing a part is always a last resort for us. Conserving resources is important, so whenever possible, we will repair whatever components we can. Besides, obtaining replacement parts can be an expensive and tricky situation depending on the year, make, and model of your car. In order to guarantee the life of something like a car bumper repair, here at Mackin’s, we follow OEM guidelines and repair recommendations when available. All replacement parts and procedures are intended to restore your vehicle to pre-loss condition.
OEM or Aftermarket
OEM quality parts are made from or sourced from the original equipment manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made to look, act, fit, and perform just like OEM quality parts. They are made from a different manufacturer than the original. While we recommend using all OEM quality parts for your repairs, the state laws and insurance policies that you buy state that alternative parts can be used by insurance companies. These parts are generally less expensive, so that’s what insurance companies use. You, as the customer, always have the right to choose all OEM quality parts, but you would have to pay the difference in price. Mackin’s makes sure, in the instances we use alternative parts, that these parts look and fit like the OEM quality part would. If it does not, we send it back and do not use it.
What Makes Mackin’s Best for Bumpers?
For over 75 years, we’ve provided reliable auto body repair to the greater Oregon/SW Washington area. When you schedule an appointment with Mackin’s, you’re joining the thousands of happy customers that have trusted us with their investment and their safety. Our highly trained and dedicated workforce is spread across 9 locations so you’re never too far from getting your bumpers and fenders repaired. Every location follows strict OEM guidelines to ensure that there are no cut corners. We’re an I-CAR gold class certified business, which means you can count on us to give you complete, safe, and quality repairs. Next time you have a plastic bumper tear or metal fender damage, remember to call Mackin’s for a complete estimate and thorough repair done right.
Fix it the First Time at Mackin’s
Get in touch with Mackin’s for a free estimate. One of our team members will give you a detailed estimate of just what’s needed to fix your vehicle. If your car is drivable, we will schedule a convenient time for you to leave your vehicle with us. If your car is not safe to drive, we will schedule your repair right away. Our staff will work with your insurance company as needed.
Fix it the First Time at Mackin’s
Get in touch with Mackin’s for a free estimate. One of our team members will give you a detailed estimate of just what’s needed to fix your vehicle. If your car is drivable, we will schedule a convenient time for you to leave your vehicle with us. If your car is not safe to drive, we will schedule your repair right away. Our staff will work with your insurance company as needed.
Fix it the First Time at Mackin’s
Get in touch with Mackin’s for a free estimate. One of our team members will give you a detailed estimate of just what’s needed to fix your vehicle. If your car is drivable, we will schedule a convenient time for you to leave your vehicle with us. If your car is not safe to drive, we will schedule your repair right away. Our staff will work with your insurance company as needed.
Additional collision repair services
Been in an accident?
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