FAIRY TALE # 1 All cars manufactured in the United States have five MPH bumpers.
Fact: In 1982, the federal government received pressures from automobile manufacturers and reduced the back and impact test requirements from 5 to 2.5 mph in model cars since 1983. The 2.5 mph standard gives infinite damage to bumpers and attachments. Most of today's frivolous bumper will cost far more than the old 5 mph bumper.
FAIRY TALE # 2 Today's 2 MP MPH bumper standard applies to all vehicles manufactured in the United States.
Fact: Federal bumper requirements apply only to passenger cars. There are no federal standards for minivans, pickup trucks, or SUVs.
FAIRY TALE # 3 Bumper does not need to be more effective.
Fact: Consumers seek a stronger bunker, they want them in all models. In the 1998 Highway Safety Research Institute (IIHS) survey, 77% said they needed to withstand a 5 mph impact and not to damage the car bumper. 8 8% stated that federal bumper standards should be applied to all kinds of passenger cars.
FAIRY TALE # 4 The new bumper is better than the old one.
Generally no. Bumpers used to be stronger before. Example: "All F-150 in 2004 are new models, but their bumpers are as dimly as they are, and even worse," Adrian Lund of IIHS says. Also, the left and right ends of the bumper were pushed into the rear fender. " But that is not just Ford.
FAIRY TALE # 5 All bumpers are the same.
No. Bumpers differ greatly in terms of parts and performance. Actually, some vehicles do not have bumpers. According to Adrian Lund of IIHS, when one Toyota RAV 4 crashed to another Toyota RAV 4 at 10 mph, "I did not participate in the rear bumper because there is no rear bumper in this SUV." This spare tire is anti-bumper. 39; It did not absorb energy. It did not prevent any damage.
That's why you need money ...
Since many physical damages claims are for a relatively small amount of damage associated with the front or rear of the vehicle and successfully designed bumpers can be harmed, insurers will play a role of the bumper I am in charge. Half of all collision requests are less than $ 1,500. The repair cost of these minor accidents is a major factor in overall collision insurance costs.
So, how can consumers tell if cars have good bumpers?
Consumers can not see good bumpers by looking at bad bumpers. The federal government does not require automakers to disclose information on bumper performance.
