Can very small dents on a car be repaired?
3 Answers
Very small dents on a car can be repaired. Methods for repairing small dents: The most traditional treatment method is sheet metal repair, which can be used for both large and small dents. Although sheet metal repair is relatively expensive, it provides the best results. Car owners can also purchase a car dent repair kit to attempt the repair themselves. However, sheet metal work generally cannot be completed by car owners on their own and requires a visit to an auto repair shop. Methods for repairing bumper dents: If the dent is on the bumper, you can pour hot water over it to utilize thermal expansion and contraction to restore its elastic deformation. Most bumper materials are relatively soft, and the plastic has good elasticity. The operation is relatively simple—just prepare a pot of boiling water in advance, pour it over the impacted area, wait for it to heat up, and then press the dented area back into place by hand.
Yesterday I just finished fixing a small dent on my neighbor's car door, and it can indeed be repaired properly. This type of paintless dent repair is called PDR (Paintless Dent Repair), where the technician uses specialized tools to push the dent out from the inside. My neighbor's dent was only the size of a fingernail, and the technician fixed it in 20 minutes for 300 yuan. The principle is quite simple: first, use a heat gun to soften the metal, then slowly push it flat with a suction cup or lever tool. The key is the location—flat surfaces are easier to repair, while edges like wheel arches are trickier. My own car had a small dent once, and after the repair, it was completely invisible. However, if the paint is cracked, you need to repaint it first before repairing the dent, or else the metal will rust through.
As a frequent visitor to repair shops, small dents are nothing to worry about. My experience is: first judge the size, dents the size of a phone charger can be easily fixed. Last time, a sesame-sized dent from hail only cost 80 yuan to repair. There's a new technology now called paintless dent repair, which is the most hassle-free as it doesn't touch the original factory paint. The key is the skill of the repair shop; an experienced technician can restore it with a few gentle taps. I suggest fixing it early, as leaving metal untreated can lead to worse deformation. Prices are charged per dent, small ones cost around 100-200 yuan, while larger ones might be 400-500 yuan. Don't go to the 4S shop; it's more cost-effective to find a professional dent repair studio.
