Chrome bumpers made a quick exit from the automotive scene in the late '80s. In their place are elaborate, but flimsy, plastic covers hiding stamped-steel impact beams with a wide swath of Styrofoam ...

Since the 1970s, most vehicles have been designed to crumple under impact, absorbing as much energy as possible in an ...

Each year, over two billion pounds of plastic auto parts roll off of assembly lines worldwide. With time, many of these items, such as bumper covers, body panels, dashboards, and interior trim pieces, ...

Simple bumper dings now require expensive sensor recalibration. The automotive past is often recalled fondly. A fender bender was a nuisance, certainly, but the required repair was relatively ...

It is deceptively easy, but usually very expensive, to junk plastic car parts when they are damaged in crashes. Zip off that damaged bumper bar, side mirror or headlamp and bolt on a fresh one.