How to Fix Dents on Car Exterior?
3 Answers
The solutions for car exterior dents are: 1. Continuously pour hot water on the affected area to soften the material and push it outward; 2. Attach a soft suction cup to the dent and pull it outward. Methods to repair car exterior scratches include: 1. Wipe the scratched area in a straight line with a compound and then apply wax; 2. Gently apply toothpaste to the scratch and wipe it counterclockwise with a cotton cloth several times; 3. Wash and dry the vehicle, then apply rust remover to the scratch. Car paint maintenance methods are: 1. Wash the car after the engine has cooled down; 2. Minimize exposure to direct sunlight; 3. Clean stains on the car body promptly; 4. Rinse with clean water after rain to prevent acid rain corrosion; 5. Apply wax or glaze coating.
Seeing this situation reminds me of my own experience. For small dents like door dings, you can totally fix them yourself. First, clean the car surface to ensure no dust or grease affects adhesion. Then, buy a specialized suction cup or hot glue stick tool kit, press it onto the center of the dent, and slowly pull outward. Be patient and don’t use too much force to avoid damaging the paint. If the dent is severe or has cracks, don’t force it—it might make things worse. I once poured hot water over the dent to slightly heat it before pulling, which worked well, but avoid water that’s too hot to prevent paint damage. After fixing, check to ensure the surface is smooth. If needed, spray some paint to cover minor flaws. Remember, DIY is only suitable for cases without deep damage—otherwise, professional handling is safer.
People who have driven for over a decade often encounter the issue of dents on their car's exterior. My advice is to first assess the severity: gently feel the dent to gauge its depth and check for excessive deformation. If it's a minor dent without damaging the base coat, you can try DIY methods like the dry ice technique—locally cooling the metal to contract and pop it back, but remember to wear gloves to prevent frostbite. For larger dents, it's best to visit a professional auto body repair shop; they have specialized tools to pull out the dent without damage, achieving faster results. Also, consider whether your insurance covers the repair, especially after a collision—filing a claim can save costs. To prevent future dents, maintain a safe driving distance, minimize roadside parking to avoid scrapes, and after repairs, regularly wash and wax your car to prevent rust and prolong its exterior lifespan.
