No matter how careful you are, it is difficult to keep your car dent-free. Common causes of car dents include door bumps, poor driving, and minor collisions. These collisions are becoming likelier due to distracted drivers.
Other causes involve drive-thru car wash bumps, bicycle bumps, and hailstorm hits. Neighborhood kids might hit your car while playing their ball games. Moreover, there are reckless and aggressive drivers who are causing accidents. Some even hit other vehicles on purpose.
In light of such situations, you may decide to search for a car auto repair service near your place. Or, you can try to repair the damage yourself. Keep reading to learn a few tips for fixing car dents.
Tips for Fixing Car Dents
The unsightly car dents can be very frustrating and costly to the owner. Aside from the high driving costs, the owner must pay high insurance premiums as well. Thus, if it’s not a major issue, you can save money and fix the dents on your own.
Here are some tips for fixing dents:
Use a Dent Removal Kit
There are several dent fixing kits available. Some pull the dents while others push them outward from the inside of the car. The two types of dent pullers are suction and glue dent pullers.
Both are simple to use. For the first one, you attach the suction puller to the dent and pull it out. For the second type, you have to glue a tab on to the dent. Then, pull the dent out.
Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) uses metal tools to push out dents from the inside.
Try a Hair Dryer and Dry Ice
This technique starts by heating the dented area using the hairdryer. Then, cover the part with foil and apply the dry ice. These changes in heat will cause the car’s body to expand and contract. This will make the metal revert to its original state.
Make sure you wear safety goggles and thick gloves. Handling dry ice poorly can lead to frostbite.
One alternative to dry ice is compressed air. If this is your choice, wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves, and ear muffs. This is because compressed air can blow particles into your eyes. Or, it can cause an embolism in your bloodstream, which can kill you.
Remove Small Dents with a Plunger
No one would expect a plunger to play this role. Yet, it acts as a suction tool to pull out the dents. First, wipe the area. Then, apply some soapy water to the rim of the plunger. This creates suction on the car body.
Get a Rubber Hammer
Open up the door panels. Use a rubber hammer to pound the dent back into shape. Be careful not to overdo it. Hit the dent gently until it pops back.
Learn More About Auto Repair
The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) tips above will help you save money as you fix your car. Be gentle and careful during the process to avoid injuries or further damage to your car. If the dents are extreme or involve paintwork, hire professionals to assist you.
Contact us to learn more about auto repair.