The bumper is a protective sleeve that is part of the equipment in ice hockey. Its main purpose is to protect the front of the vehicle from damage that may occur when hitting another object or person, whether they’re on foot or in a other vehicle.
Hockey players are known to use different types of protection depending on the surface they are playing on. There is no set rule book for hockey, so players use common sense and adapt as needed.
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Sizes And Weights
The NHL has standard sized and weighted bumpers that can fit all vehicles. Depending on the size of your car, you will need to select one of their four standard sizes: small, medium, large, or extra-large. Their standard weight is 12 pounds.
Its primary purpose is to protect the front of your car from damage. While other types of padding are used in hockey to protect the head and body from injury, the standard equipment for the front of your car is the protective bumper.
The weight of a hockey pad can vary from five to 15 pounds, and the thicker it is the more protection it will offer. If you are going to be using a hockey pad, make sure that its weight is within the recommended range for the size of your car.
Types And Purpose
The basic design of a hockey bumper is simple. There is a hard plastic shell that covers the fascia, or front portion, of your car. This is the area where the other vehicle would hit you if they were to hit you first. The outer surface of the plastic is often adorned with grooves, ridges, or other designs to improve the aerodynamics and reduce the weight of the device.
Depending on the material it’s made of, the bumper can be quite thin or thick. The more a car is driven, the more likely it is to need a replacement as it gradually wears out. The type of surface you are driving on will also affect the wear and tear of your car’s bumper. If you are driving on a very smooth surface, like ice or a polished concrete driveway, you will need to replace the bumper every season.
How Can You Tell If Your Car Needs A New Bumper?
There are a few simple indicators that you can use to determine whether or not your car needs a new bumper. If any of the following are true, it is a good idea to get a new one:
- There is a cracking or popping sound when you drive over potholes or rough patches of road
- You frequently hit parked cars or pedestrians when you are driving forward
- Your insurance premiums have increased by more than 20% in the last year
- You hit a curb or other stationary object when turning
- Your car is more than 10 years old and is showing its age (especially in the exterior styling)
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is time for a new bumper.
How Often Should You Replace Your Car’s Bumper?
The answer to this question is simple; it depends on how fast you drive and how much you drive. The general rule of thumb is once you reach six to seven miles per hour, you should replace your car’s bumper. Anything faster than that and you are asking for problems. The faster you go, the more you will need to replace the bumper.
The weight of your car will also factor into this equation. If you have a heavy car, you will need to replace it sooner than a lighter model. This is because heavy cars have more surface area and therefore more wear and tear than smaller vehicles. The good news is you can find lightweight, affordable bumper replacements online that will protect your car for years of hard driving.
Do You Need A Fender Brace Or Other Accessories?
Protecting your car’s front end from damage is the main purpose of a hockey bumper. However, there are a host of other products that you can get in addition to the standard piece of equipment. There are several brackets and plates that you can install in your car to protect it from harm. These products are there for a reason, so you should definitely consider buying them when you replace your car’s bumper.
Do you need a winch? A fender brace will protect your front end from damage and make turning difficult. You might also need a tow bar or other attachments that could be used to pull a trailer or other vehicles with you when you drive. These are all important considerations and you should make sure that you check online before buying any of those accessories.
What About Paint Jobs?
The look of your car is one of its most prized possessions. However, dirt and grime take their toll on your car’s paint job from constant bumping and sliding on the road. This is why it is important to clean the bumper occasionally. Use a soft brush or cloth along with some cleaning product and water to remove the dirt deposited by road grime. After you clean it, give it a good coat of wax to keep it looking new.
While waxing is important, it is not the only step you need to take to keep your car looking new. You need to make sure that your tires are correctly inflated and that you regularly clean them. If you are doing all of these things, you should have no problems maintaining a clean and beautiful exterior on your vehicle.
Final Takeaway
There are a number of safety concerns that you need to address when driving on the road. One of the most important issues is your car’s tires. Make sure that you have the proper inflation pressure and clean them regularly to keep wear and tear at a minimum. If you are concerned about the wear and tear of your car’s tires, you should get some cheap, tube-type tires that will save you money in the long run. Another important factor is your car’s exterior. Make sure that you clean it regularly with some car wash product or dryer sheets and wax it to keep it looking new. Do not forget about the front of your car, as this is the area that will be hit first in case of an accident. Make sure that there is sufficient protection there and that it does not pose a threat to pedestrians or other drivers. The last but not least factor is your driver’s seat. Be sure that you are safely buckled in and that the headrest is in the right position. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to maintain a safe and smooth driving experience for years to come.