One of the easiest parts on your Honda Pilot or Accord to protect is your bumper.
It doesn’t take much to permanently damage a bumper. Bumper guards and skid plates are a cheap and easy solution when you consider how much it would cost to replace or repaint your bumper.
On a Honda Accord, for example, a new bumper can cost upwards of $800, not including labor. By installing bumper skid plates and guards, you can effectively avoid wasting a lot of time and money. The following are some things you should know about bumper guards for Honda Pilots and Honda Accords.
Different Kinds of Bumper Guards
The first thing you should know is that there are different kinds of bumper guards depending on what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to protect the front and sides of your bumper from possible scratches caused by parking in tight areas and light dings, you are going to want to a 2” bumper guard.
You can also get 1” bumper guards, but they provide less protection. Regardless, these kinds are the best guards for your Honda if you are trying to prevent damage from concrete or another vehicle to the face of your bumper. You can choose to only guard a portion of your bumper like the corners (which are the most likely to get dinged while parking) or have the guard completely wrap around the bumper.
If on the other hand you are concerned with what you should do about rocks hitting your undercarriage, a bumper skid plate is a better option for you. Bumper skid plates are installed to the underside of your vehicle. Bumper skid plates, opposed to bumper guards, will protect your Honda’s paint on the bottom side of your bumper from scraping on asphalt and banging into potholes. Getting a bumper skid plate is one of the tips for driving a lowered car, so this is especially important if you have lowered your Honda Accord or Pilot.
Bumper Protectors VS. Bumper Shields, Skid Plates, and Guards
Finding protection for your Honda’s bumper can be difficult when there are so many different names that they go by. Bumper shields and bumper guards are two terms that are used synonymously by most people. These protect the face of your bumper (the part most likely to come into contact with other vehicles).
Bumper skid plates, on the other hand, protect the bottom of your bumper. Not only does a bumper skid plate, like SLiPLO’s bumper skid plate, protect your Honda’s paint, but it is also designed in such a way that contact with the road glides, instead of getting caught on the bumper and ripping it off. Bumper protectors function in a similar way to bumper guards or bumper shields, but they are lower quality and are generally only meant to be used on a short term basis. They are vulnerable to falling off or dangling and are likely to become discolored over time.
Ease of Installation
Bumper guards and skid plates can be installed on any make and model of vehicle, and Honda Accord and Honda Pilots are not exceptions. Many bumper skid plates and guards are universal, so you don’t have to worry about choosing the best fit for your car. Once you have your bumper guard or skid plate, it is easy to install and can be done as a quick and easy side project with great reward. SLiPLO’s Bumper Skid Plates’ easy to follow instructions allow for anyone at any skill level to apply a skid plate to their bumper. Both bumper skid plates and bumper guards adhere to the bumper itself with 3M adhesive tape or pads, no drilling or hardware needed. If you are still uncomfortable installing a bumper skid plate or bumper guard yourself, you can find a local reputable auto protection shop like the SLiPLO-authorized StickerCity to install it professionally for you.
Appearance
If you are trying to prevent damage to your bumper from steep driveways or scratches to your paint from someone else’s bad parking, you likely care about the appearance of your vehicle. Luckily, bumper guards and bumper shields come in many colors. So many colors, it would be unbelievable if you couldn’t find one that matches your vehicle’s existing paint. These guards look as if they belong, and are commonly seen on vehicles. In fact, many car rental companies have bumper guards on all of their rentals to prevent damage.
Bumper skid plates are out of view since they are on the underside of your vehicle. They may peek into view from certain angles, but generally, they are glossy black, giving a factory add-on appearance. No matter which you pick, you will not lose aesthetics.
Removal
What if you want to sell your Honda Accord or Honda Pilot in the future? Will the bumper skid plates and guards cause a problem? Luckily, skid guards and skid plates for bumpers are usually applied with 3M adhesive. That means that they can be removed.
It’s best to have bumper guards, shields, and skid plates removed by professionals with the appropriate heating tools to complete the job without ruining your factory paint job. Not only is this good if you want to sell your Honda in its original state, but it is also helpful if you want to have your vehicle painted or your bumper shield or guard gets scraped up and you want a new one.
What Should You Know About Bumper Guards For Your Honda Accord or Pilot?
You should know that there is a difference between bumper protection products. Guards and shields protect the face of your bumper, and bumper skid plates protect the underside of your bumper. They come in a variety of colors and finishes to match your vehicle’s existing paint and often appear as factory add-ons. They can save you money by preventing damage, and they won't reduce your vehicle’s value because they can be removed leaving your factory paint in pristine condition.