I was in a minor fender bender about a month ago, spun and hit the wall on a freeway on ramp. When the impact happened, I dont think I was going more than 5-7mph. Well i FINALLY got my car into the shop (they have been slammed), and because of the gap you see between the front of the headlight and the bumper, they think the frame was slightly bent. Anyone think thats possible at such low speeds???


minimal damage seen here.. although underneath, some brackets were bent

 

Although I've probably taken michelle's front bumper off more than 50 times, I can't quite remember how it is fully connected to the frame. For the rear bumper, there are metal flanges that bend easily and show a large gap between fender and body after a boxing match with a hard object...easy to rebend and fix. For the front bumper, however, things may be different. From the pics, it looks like the brunt of the damage was taken at the tow hook site. Modern bumpers are supposed to handle 5 mph (or is it 10?) nudges without incident, so be sure that's how fast you were really going. Check your alignment and make sure it's ok, and replace the styrofoam insert in the bumper to prepare your little girl for her next run in.