How to fix car dents
Auto repair

How to fix car dents

09.11.2022 /

As important as it is to be proud of the look of your car, it's also important to save money on fixing the minor dents and dents that come with owning one. Not only do you maintain the quality of your vehicle's construction, but you also retain value when it comes time to sell it.

Luckily, there are three great home methods you can use to repair small dents and dents yourself and quickly, saving you all the time and money you could be spending at the body shop. Better yet, you don't have to be mechanically inclined to fix them.

Method 1 of 3: use a plunger

The plunger method is a favorite among DIY types. It is especially ideal for small to medium sized shallow dents on flat metal surfaces such as a car door, hood or roof. (This will not work on plastic.)

This method relies heavily on the rim of the plunger completely fitting around the dent to form a complete and inseparable seal. Before you start, you need to measure and measure the area of ​​the dent with a plunger to make sure there are no curved surfaces that could compromise the seal. However, this method may not work on surfaces adjacent to windows, fenders, or wheel wells.

Necessary materials

  • Vaseline or water for lubrication
  • Rubber mallet (if needed)
  • Standard Plunger (You can't use a flanged plug)

Step 1: Apply lubricant. Use a small amount of petroleum jelly or water to lubricate the edges of the standard cup plunger.

Step 2: Push the piston into the dent. Gently apply the lubricated piston around the dent and press lightly inward, making sure a tight seal forms.

Step 3: Pull the piston back towards you. We hope the suction will push the dent out when the piston opens.

Repeat if necessary until the dent is removed.

  • Functions: In some cases, you may notice that the dent has not completely disappeared. If you can, use a small rubber mallet to go behind the dent and tap it very lightly. If you don't have a rubber mallet, wrap an old towel or sweater around the head of a metal or wooden mallet.

  • A warning: Do not use hammer or mallet on plastic as it may crack.

Method 2 of 3: Use Dry Ice

Dry ice, a solid form of carbon dioxide primarily used to cool broken refrigerators and water coolers or to add spookiness to pumpkin lanterns, is a relatively cheap and readily available substance that can be used to fix minor dents. from your car.

  • A warning: Dry ice is very cold (about 110°F below zero) and should not be handled without thick protective work gloves or kitchen mitts. In addition, protective goggles must be worn when working with hazardous materials.

Necessary materials

  • Dry ice
  • Protective glasses
  • Work gloves (or potholders)

Step 1: Wear protective gear before handling dry ice..

Step 2: Take a small piece of dry ice and rub it over the dent..

Step 3: Wait for the cold surface to react with the warmer air around it.. If the dent does not pop out after the first try, repeat.

Using the same principle as the cold method, the blow dryer technique dramatically expands the metal around the dent while compressed air compresses it, restoring the metal to its original shape.

There are several different heating methods you can use depending on the tools you have around the house. A hair dryer is probably the easiest and safest method, but you can also use a regular lighter and foil or boiling water for a similar heating effect.

  • A warning: If you choose to use a lighter, you should also have some foil on hand so you don't damage the paint. Also, never expose aerosol propellants to an open flame. If you are using boiling water, be careful not to burn yourself when you pour the water and when the water runs off the car.

Necessary materials

  • Compressed air
  • Boiling water (optional)
  • Hair dryer (preferred method)
  • Standard lighter and foil (optional method)
  • Protective glasses
  • Work gloves

Step 1: Take Precautions If Necessary. Wear protective gear if you are using the boil water method or the lighter and foil method.

Step 2: Apply heat to the dent for 30 seconds.. Use a hair dryer, boiling water, or a lighter and foil to heat up the dent for about 30 seconds.

If you are using a lighter and foil, turn off the heat and remove the foil.

Step 3: Cool the heated metal. Blow out the dent with compressed air and wait until the metal clicks into place.

Fixing a minor dent in your car is usually a simple process. For deeper dents on your vehicle's steel parts, a more sophisticated method using a dent repair kit may be required. The level of skill required to complete these tasks is slightly higher than in other methods; because of this, more time, energy and precision are required. The kit should contain all the necessary tools, as well as step-by-step instructions for clarity, ease of use and quality work.

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