Steel Front Bumper Guard: What It Means for Your Truck
In a collision, bumpers are one of the most commonly damaged sections of a vehicle.
Installing a steel bumper guard is one of the best modifications you can make. A steel bumper guard protects your vehicle's front bumper from unexpected incidents.
A steel front bumper guard protects the bumper, grille, headlights, and undercarriage against:
- Scratches
- Dents
- Animal collisions
- Rocks, trees, and other vegetation
- Inattentive drivers, and other dangers
Let’s discuss the different types of steel bumper guards, the benefits of front bumper protection, and how to choose the right bumper guard.
Table of Contents
Grille Guards or Brush Guards
Bull Bars
Prerunner Guards
Why You Should Get a Front Bumper Guard for Your Truck
Grille Guards and Bull Bars Improve Vehicle Functionality
Bumper Protection Accessories Provide Extra Front End Protection During Accidents
Steel Bumper Guards Give Your Truck a More Rugged Look
Bumper Guards Maintain Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
Bumper Guards Feature Easy, No Bolt Installation
Did You Know You Can Get a Rear Bumper Guard Too?
Rear Bumper Guards Enhance Rear Bumper Protection
Rear Bumper Guards Protect the Tail Lights
How to Choose the Right Front and Rear Bumper Guard
Bumper Protection Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Pros and Cons of Bumper Guards?
Do bumper guards cause more damage?
Is it advisable to drive with a Bumper Bully attached?
What Are Bumper Guards?
Bumper Guards are front-end bumper protection devices that are designed to protect your vehicle in the event of a collision.
The following are the most popular front bumper protection devices for SUV, Jeeps, and trucks.
Grille Guards (Brush Guards)
Grille guards, also known as brush guards, are "H" shaped frames that are designed to protect the front of your vehicle and the headlights.
They’re made of tough, tubular stainless steel, which provides maximum protection in the event of a collision with animals or other vehicles.
After an accident, a heavy-duty grille cover can effectively protect your truck. Meaning no major repairs will be required.
American Built Cowboy Front Bumper Ford F250 F350 2020-2021
Bull Bars
A bull bar is a front bumper protection device in the shape of an "A." It features an exterior frame, a single crossbar, and a bottom skid plate. Bull bars protect the middle section of your vehicle's front end.
Ranch Hand BTF051BLR Legend Bullnose Front Bumper 2005 Ford Excursion
However, if you’re in an off-center head-on collision, a bull bar may not provide the optimum protection. That’s because it doesn’t cover your vehicle's headlights or turn signals.
The table below highlights the key differences between bull bars and grille guards.
Pre-Runner Guards
Pre-Runner guards, often referred to as light guards, are a compromise between a full guard and no guard at all. These easy to bolt-on guards protect the grille against brush and animals. Additional lights for nighttime use can also be mounted on a pre-runner guard.
HammerHead 600-56-0252 Pre-Runner Winch Front Bumper Toyota Tundra 2014+
Next, we’ll discuss what a front bumper guard does and what it means for your truck.
Why You Should Get a Front Bumper Guard for Your Truck
Ranch Hand FBC201BLR Legend Front Bumper 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD-3500HD
Grille Guards and Bull Bars Improve Vehicle Functionality
While driving on off-road terrain, there’s more that can go wrong, such as scraping paint off the bumper or cracking it.
Steel bumper guards prevent such incidents by improving your approach angle, ensuring that you don’t hit the ground hard when on off-road terrain—essentially minimizing potential damage.
FLOG Industries, FISD-Flgrd-1018D Dodge Ram Full Guard 2010-2018
These protection accessories also allow you to mount a UHF antenna, driving lights, and a winch to your bumper. You may also place a sand flag on the grille or bull bar for optimal visibility and safety — if you enjoy driving in or around dunes.
Bumper Protection Provides Extra Front End Protection During Accidents
Off-road driving without any form of safety equipment puts everyone in danger. Even if you're travelling 100 km/h through forests or dunes, your car becomes a magnet for risks.
A stray brush may become lodged in the front end of your vehicle, or you may collide with a rock, fallen tree, or a deer.
In low-speed, low-impact collisions, a bull bar or grille guard can protect your bumper, turn signals, headlights, and grille. Bumper guards also protect your truck from major structural damage.
HammerHead 600-56-0812 Formed Guard Winch Front Bumper Ford F250-550 2017+
Furthermore, some bull bars include a welded skid plate. During a low-speed collision, skid plates protect the bottom of the radiator or lower front bumper from wear and tear.
Steel Bumper Guards Give Your Truck a More Rugged Look
Steel bumper guards add an extra layer of protection to your truck's paint while also giving it a more rugged appearance.
Furthermore, adding grille guard lights to your truck helps elevate that rugged appearance at a reduced cost.
The high-quality build of a bull bar can also give your vehicle the same rugged look. Bull bars also feature an integrated off-road LED light bar that comes with a wiring kit. This requires no drilling to install.
Bumper Guards Maintain Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
A damaged front end can reduce the market value of your truck.
However, if you decide to sell your truck, an aftermarket bumper in good condition will increase the value of your vehicle — especially when compared to a truck with scratches and dents. It’s a given that signs of damage can turn off potential buyers.
Bumper Guards Feature an Easy, No Bolt Installation
Since bumper guards come with vehicle-specific mounting brackets, they’re straightforward to install. Also, when installing light bars, you won't need to drill holes in your bumper.
As a result, installing bumper protection doesn’t require the use of a professional. That said, marking the installation region with tape before adding the bumper protector is advisable. This will allow you to adjust the bumper protector for a perfectly straight installation.
Did You Know You Can Get a Rear Bumper Guard Too?
Rear Bumper Guards Enhance Rear Bumper Protection
Rear bumper guards provide the best protection for the rear bumper. Especially while reversing out of a tight garage or parking space.
Did you know? One of the most popular rear bumper protection products is the Bumper Bully?
The Bumper Bully is frequently used as a temporary parking guard in:
Rear Bumper Guards Protect the Tail Lights
Damage to corner tail lights on pickup trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles is common. Even if you get the best deal on factory-style tail light components, replacing them might be costly. Even worse, most insurance companies are unlikely to cover replacement expenses.
The good news is that a rear bumper guard can protect your rear lights. Custom tail light guards are not only easy to install but also easily affordable.
How to Choose the Right Front and Rear Bumper Guard
A front and rear bumper guard is a critical addition to your vehicle.
At Royal Truck Accessories, we have a wide selection of bumper guards, including full grille guards and bull bars.
These bumper guards are available in a range of coverage options and styles.
Remember: when shopping for bumper protection, it’s important to consider:
- Your vehicle type and model.
- The type of terrain you’ll be driving on.
- How much bumper coverage you need.
- Do you want a rugged or corrosion resistant finish?
- Will you add accessories on your grille guard? Driving lights or a winch mount? Are they compatible?
Planning your purchase will allow you to get a bumper guard that will significantly increase your safety on the road.
If you’re not sure, our team of experts are ready to help.
Our products are easy to install and enhance your vehicle’s durability, rugged look, and functionality.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote for your preferred rear and front bumper guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Pros and Cons of Bumper Guards?
Here’s a table highlighting the pros and cons of grille guards and bull bars:
| Product | Pros | Cons |
| Grille Guards |
|
During a collision, the occupants of the other vehicle, pedestrians, or bicycle-riders may be injured. |
| Bull Bars |
|
Do Bumper Guards Cause More Damage?
No. They minimize the damage (but not the cost of repair if there is damage).
Is It Advisable to Drive With a Bumper Bully Attached?
No. Driving with the Bumper Bully attached can damage your vehicle and the product.
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