How to Deal with Small Dents Caused by Hail?
3 Answers
Here is a detailed introduction to the methods for repairing small dents: 1. Repair of dents in single-layer body metal panels: Use a wooden or plastic hammer to gently tap from the back of the dent, while placing a suitable wooden block against the outer side of the metal panel to prevent the hammer's impact from bending the surrounding area of the dent. 2. Repair of dents in laminated metal panels: The drilling method is suitable for small dents, as it causes minimal damage to the sheet metal and paint. Drill a row of small holes in the dented or wrinkled area using a hand drill, with the diameter and spacing of the holes determined by the condition of the deformed outer panel. The pull-ring method is suitable for larger damaged areas, reducing the damage to the sheet metal caused by excessive perforations. Insert into the small holes and pull them outward one by one until the original shape is fully restored. During pulling, each hand can hold two pull rods, applying even and consistent force, pulling slowly without excessive force. After leveling, use carbon dioxide gas shielded welding to weld the holes shut.
My car had some small dents from hail before, and fixing them myself with tools was quite simple. Just buy a car dent repair kit, which costs only a few dozen yuan online. It includes suction cups and small hammers. First, clean the dented area, then gently use the suction cup to slowly pull up the center of the dent. Be gentle and avoid pulling too hard to prevent damaging the paint. After leveling it out, apply some polishing compound and wipe it clean, then add some car wax for protection against rust. The whole process takes about twenty minutes, is low-cost, and practical. I’ve tried it myself, and small dents can be mostly restored—about 80-90%. If the dent is too large, don’t risk it; go straight to a professional shop. This DIY method is suitable for those who are handy and saves both time and money.
Every time I encounter hail dents on my car, I consider insurance to see if the policy covers such disaster damage. I call the insurance company to check—most comprehensive policies cover hail repair costs, but it's best to take photos first as evidence and avoid handling it yourself to prevent affecting the claim. Then, schedule a repair shop where they use professional tools to heat and restore the body to smoothness, followed by repainting, usually costing a few hundred to a thousand dollars. DIY repairs are risky, as they can damage the paint and cause rust, affecting the car's resale value later. Handling it early brings peace of mind, so I advise friends not to delay.
