After a job on a modern sedan, I'm puzzled by the rush to use adhesive over welding.

I've been seeing more cars come in with adhesive used for body panels instead of welding. It's got me confused because welding has always been the go-to for a strong fix. Like last month, I had a Toyota Camry where the bumper was bonded on, and it seemed fine. But I keep wondering how it handles in a crash. Do we trust these new methods as much as old-school welding? I've heard some guys say it's lighter and faster, but is that worth the risk? Maybe I'm just set in my ways, but I want to know what others think.

3 comments

3 Comments

dylan_patel1mo ago

Wow, my buddy's Honda had a glued-on fender and it held up fine in a fender bender, @ellis.charles!

valwest1mo ago

Glued-on fender holding up in a crash... that sounds sketchy to me. What kind of glue even does that? I'd be nervous driving around with that.

ellis.charles1mo ago

Wait, they're using glue on bumpers now? That just seems wrong for something that needs to hold up in a crash.