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My car is louder inside since having the rear bumper repaired - what should I do?

I raised a claim with my insurer for fixing the rear bumper of my car, which was damaged while reversing. The rear bumper looks plastic, but I'm not sure if it was plastic before the repair. Another thing I have noticed is there's now more noise in the car, but I can't prove that it's now noisier. How should I tackle this?

Asked on 17 August 2018 by Giridhar

Answered by Honest John
People become a lot more critical of their vehicle after an accident. This is primarily because you're paying more attention. Plastic welding a bumper is an appropriate means of repairing the bumper, but you should certainly not be able to tell. Bearing in mind you have damaged the rear bumper, the silencer on your car sits tucked up behind it. It's very possible it has been pushed back, and kinked somewhere. You need to get it on a ramp, get underneath with the engine running,and listen for any leaks or blowing (look for black soot), and look at every bend right up to the engine down pipe and manifold. Find a friendly garage or Kwik-Fit and then photograph what you see. Do not repair it at this point unless it is unsafe. Then recontact your insurer and send them this evidence.
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