Any dent that you notice on the body of your car could be the result of a minor accident that you were not aware of. This can sometimes happen even if you exert extra effort to care for your automobile.
Car dents can affect a vehicle’s appearance. It hardly matters if this was caused by a passing shopping cart or a ball thrown by a playful kid in your neighborhood, The most logical way to handle a dent is to get it removed immediately, especially if you want to retain the resale price of your car. Doing so is not that hard, although this will still depend partly on the type of dent that your car incurred because not all dent types are alike.
Types of Car Dents
Dents typically cause a tiny mark on the exterior of your vehicle. However, there are those that can leave scarring that is readily visible.
Below are the common types of dents that your automobile could encounter.
1. Dings
These are small dents on your car surface often caused by a rock or other object that struck the damaged area. The good news is that dings have low indentations, commonly less than half an inch.
2. Sharp
This dent type is one of the most difficult to fix because the culprit is often a small metal object. Sharp dents are known to leave an innocent mark on your car’s surface, but underneath the panels, the damage could prove to be more severe.as this can impact the original metalwork design of the vehicle.
3. Round
This is another common type of car dent. As its name suggests, a round dent has a circular shape and comes out as a shallow, sunken mark on your car’s surface. Some rounded dents can have a funnel-shaped appearance if they were due to hailstones, a fallen ball, or other similar objects.
4. Creased
These are car dents resulting from an object getting dragged across the side panels of a vehicle. The action usually produces a screeching sound, and when done repeatedly, there can be multiple creases that can damage, not only your car’s exterior, but also the original paint finish. Creased dents can be due to passing trailers and bicycles as well as fallen tree branches.
How To Remove Car Dents
These days, dents can be fixed quickly and without needing to remove the car panel and repainting it. Below are the different ways of fixing vehicle dents.
1. See your dealer.
Car dealers can have dents on your car fixed through a partner auto body shop. However, this arrangement can be a bit expensive when compared to the service rates found in small repair centers. In any case, these partner shops can offer extra services like going to your home where the car dent repair can be done.
Large dents measuring over six inches in diameter can cost between $200 and $350 in terms of repair. The make and model of your vehicle as well as the location of the dent can also affect the total repair expenses. In this case, it’s best to refer your car to an independent auto body repair shop where you can enjoy quality service under affordable rates.
2. Use a plunger.
Plungers don’t only fix clogged drains, they can also be used when removing medium-sized dents. Initially clean the affected area with water, then using a cup plunger, push and pull until the dent disappears.
3. Pour hot water.
Dents located in your car bumpers can be difficult to remove since the latter is usually stiff. This problem can be solved by heating some water and pouring it over the dent. The heat should soften the bumper, making it easier for the dent to pop out. This needs to be done quickly though because the heat won’t last long.
4. Use a hair dryer.
A hair dryer and a can of compressed air is another alternative way of removing dents. Under this method, heat the hair dryer to the highest temperature and place it on the dent. This will cause the car’s plastic material to expand. When this happens, open the can of compressed air, flip it upside down, and spray it on the dent. The plastic will contract as it gets into contact with the cold air, causing the dent to pop off.
5. Use dry ice.
When placing a small amount of dry ice on the dent, you should wear protective gloves. Rub the ice around the target area until the dent disappears. This can be done as often as you want, and can be effective if the dent is not that deep.
6. Use a vacuum cleaner.
This method will also require a pot or a bucket and a tape to get the dent out of your vehicle. Begin by making a small opening under the pot and tape this around the dent. Next, insert the hose of your vacuum cleaner into the pothole. Turn on your vacuum so its suctioning power can cause the dent to pop out.
7. Use glue.
Apart from a glue gun, this car dent repair method will also use some screws and wooden dowels. To begin, insert two screws on each side of the dowel, then glue the bottom portion. Next, place the glue-sided part of the dowel on the dented area. Allow this to dry before pulling out the dowel.
Generally, the glue method is not recommended since it can lead to more serious car damage. This is especially true if you get to apply too much glue.
7. Use a metal rod.
Car dents can cause the metal component of your car to go inwards, producing a small volcano-like formation. In this case, removing the dent from beneath your car is not advised.
To get rid of the dent, you’ll have to place a long metal rod below the target area and a rubber or wooden tap down tool on the top portion. While this method can completely get the dent out of your car, ideally, it should be done by an expert.
Key Takeaway
While minor dents are best handled in a professional car repair shop, there are now options to have these removed through do-it-yourself or DIY means. Many of these may appear sensible, but there’s no guarantee that they will work in getting rid of the dent. Still, many car owners seriously consider them if only to have a quick and free dent repair.
A car dent is often seen as a minor problem, and this is the reason DIY solutions have become quite popular despite being generally ineffective. If you want the dent on your vehicle successfully removed, going to a reputable auto repair outlet should still be your primary option.
Make Northwest Collision Center your first choice when looking to fix the dent on your car.
A dent on your automobile, regardless of whether it’s small or large, can affect how people will see your car. If it’s significant, it can be a source of embarrassment, but the dent specialists of Northwest Collision Center can help you with that.
We have been engaged in the auto body repair business for over six decades. Expect top-notch service when our auto body shop in Pinellas Park, FL, handles your car dent problem. Call us today and we’ll get to work for you right away.
