How to deal with a small dent on the car door?
4 Answers
A small dent on the car door can be repaired through sheet metal work and spray painting. Sheet Metal Repair: Sheet metal is a tool used to repair small dents on cars. When repairing a small dent, a specialized sheet metal platform can be utilized to stretch the compressed and deformed dent back to its original state as required by the specifications. You can also purchase a sheet metal tool to attempt the repair yourself, but DIY repairs can be somewhat challenging. If the dent is small and the depression is minor, you can try using a professional suction tool to pull out the dent. For larger dents, it's advisable to visit a 4S shop for professional repair. Spray Painting Repair: Spray painting repair is relatively straightforward. Simply apply some paint to the dented area and then use professional tools to complete the repair.
Last time I also got a small dent on my car door, and tried using a dent puller tool myself with pretty good results. You can buy specialized suction cups or hot melt glue stick repair tools online for just a few dozen bucks. If the paint isn't scratched, the operation is actually quite simple: first pour hot water on the dent to soften it a bit, then slowly pull it out according to the tool instructions. However, this method only works for relatively shallow dents. If the location is tricky or the area is too large, it might not come out perfectly. Remember to check for smoothness from multiple angles with a flashlight after finishing. If you're not confident about DIY, paintless dent repair at an auto shop costs around 200 RMB and won't damage the original factory paint. Parking farther away from other cars can help reduce such incidents.
I've encountered quite a few of these small dents. First, check if the paint is damaged. If it's just a slight dent, paintless dent repair (PDR) at an auto shop is the best option. Technicians use specialized tools to slowly push the dent out from inside the door panel, without needing to apply filler or repaint. However, if the dent is larger than a coin or near the edge, traditional bodywork and repainting might be more thorough. For a temporary DIY fix, you can heat a hot glue stick with a lighter, attach it to the dent, wait for it to dry, and then gently pull outward. Remember not to use the toilet plunger method suggested online—applying the wrong force can worsen the deformation. After repair, apply some car wax to protect the paint.
Small dents on car doors should be handled based on their condition. If the paint is intact and the dent is shallow, I recommend seeking professional dent repair, which can restore it in just half an hour. If the primer is already exposed, don't delay—apply nail polish to prevent rust first, then take it to a repair shop. For emergency DIY fixes, you can try pushing the dent out from the inner door panel lining, but avoid using excessive force. After repair, check the door's sealing performance, especially watching for water leakage during rainy days.
