Chevrolet Equinox Bumpers
The Chevrolet Equinox is a midsized and compact SUV that was introduced to the market in 2005. It is considered a crossover between a sport utility vehicle and a family vehicle. If you need to replace your Chevy Equinox bumpers, there are a few important factors you should consider.
How do you choose the right bumper for your SUV?The most critical consideration in choosing the correct bumper and bumper parts is the model year of your Equinox. The Chevrolet Equinox underwent significant body design revisions for model years 2010 and 2016 as well as 2018 with the introduction of a compact model. Not all the bumpers for similar model years can be interchanged. The cargo capacity, automatic transmission parameters, and all-wheel drive features changed in these Chevrolet vehicles along with other specifications.
How does a bumper work?A bumper is made to absorb and redistribute the force in a collision, minimizing the impact on the person at the wheel and their passengers. Contemporary bumpers are made of a steel or aluminum bar, Styrofoam core, and a plastic cover. The Styrofoam absorbs the effects of a minor impact. In a more substantial crash, the steel bar redirects the force to the crumple zones to protect the passengers. The outer plastic cover is mainly for style.
How are steel and aluminum bumpers different?Aluminum bumpers are lighter than steel and resist rust and corrosion. Aluminum bumpers are simpler to install than steel ones, and it is easy to repair minor dents and dings on an aluminum bumper. Aluminum bumpers, however, do not offer as many holes and hooks for accessories as those made of steel.
Adding a steel bumper to the vehicle can change the ride quality drastically due to the additional weight. It can also change the fuel efficiency. In some cases, an upgrade to the suspension system may be needed to account for the added weight. Steel bumpers often have predrilled holes for various accessories such as winches and tow hooks. Steel bumpers are more difficult to install but are highly durable.
The type of bumper that is right for you depends on the what kind of driving that you expect to be doing. The options package that you choose for your Chevy Equinox may determine whether you want to upgrade your bumper from an original factory-made model. A steel bumper, while heavier, offers more protection in a crash than an aluminum one, which may play a role in your decision.