At what level of door dent does it require door replacement?
2 Answers
Door replacement is required when the dent causes internal cracks. Below is relevant knowledge about car doors: Functions of car doors: Doors provide access for drivers and passengers while isolating external disturbances. They also help mitigate side impacts to some extent and protect occupants. Criteria for evaluating door quality: A car's aesthetics are also related to door design. Door quality is mainly reflected in crash protection performance, sealing capability, and opening/closing convenience, along with other functional indicators. Crash protection is particularly crucial because during side collisions, the buffer distance is extremely short, making occupants highly vulnerable. There are at least two anti-collision beams inside car doors, and these beams are relatively heavy, meaning better-quality doors do tend to be heavier.
Whether a dented car door needs replacement depends on the damage location and depth. If the dent is only in the middle of the door panel with no cracks on the surface, it can usually be repaired through metalworking to restore its original appearance at a cost of a few hundred yuan. However, if the dent reaches internal structures like the anti-collision beam or door frame seams, the repaired door's strength will be significantly compromised, weakening crash resistance and affecting driving safety. If the door is deformed or cracked after an accident, replacement is strongly advised. Remember, minor dents can be overlooked, but if they affect door operation or cause water/air leaks, seek professional evaluation immediately. After all, doors are safety barriers—when severely damaged, replacement often offers better protection than repairs. General recommendation: Prioritize door replacement if the dent exceeds fist size or is deeper than 5 cm.