How to Pull Out a Dent in the Side Skirt?
4 Answers
Dents in the side skirt can be pulled out using a metalworking machine. The process involves pulling, shaping, sanding, applying putty, smoothing, spraying texture coating, and painting. The key factors are the location and severity of the dent. Minor dents can be fixed by purchasing spray paint and doing it yourself. Here are the details: 1. For severe dents in the side skirt, it is recommended to visit a professional auto repair shop or 4S store for the best treatment. Try to repair it from the inside as much as possible and avoid directly cutting the side skirt. 2. Simply put, metalworking involves metal correction - applying putty - painting - surface treatment. In theory, it does not harm the car, as the areas worked on are usually just some covering parts. However, it still has an impact on the metalworked areas. After all, whether it's steel or iron, once the structure is deformed and repaired, its strength will not be the same as before.
I often help friends deal with small dents on the car body, especially on the side skirts which are mainly made of plastic or metal. When pulling them out yourself, you need to be careful. A suction cup puller works particularly well: first, thoroughly clean the surface dirt to avoid scratching the paint, then use a heat gun to blow for a minute or two to soften the material, but don't overheat it to prevent deformation. Slowly apply the suction cup, align it with the center of the dent, and pull it out bit by bit. Avoid yanking forcefully to prevent expanding the damage. During the process, check if the shape is being restored evenly. If it doesn't work, consider removing the side skirt and tapping it flat from the inside, or using a punch tool for assistance. Actually, side skirt dents often occur due to scraping against curbs in parking lots or minor collisions. To prevent them, pay attention to parking distances. It's best to have a professional pulling tool on hand, which can be bought for just a few dozen yuan on Taobao. With more practice, your skills will improve, saving both money and hassle.
I've been doing DIY body repairs for several years, and for dents on the side skirts, I've tried heat repair combined with the pull-out method. After cleaning, use a hair dryer to heat the plastic parts, but don't set the temperature too high to avoid melting. Then, use a glue puller, attach the adhesive pad, and slowly pull. You'll feel the material soften and it becomes easier to reposition. Last time my car's side skirt got scratched, I fixed it this way, saving 200 bucks in repair fees with just half an hour of work. For tools, I recommend getting a multi-functional pull-out kit, which costs just a few dozen yuan. Also, remember to wear safety glasses. If it's a metal part that's dented, it's trickier and might require a pushing tool. When driving, try not to get too close to the curb, and protective film can help too. The key is to take your time and not rush. If it doesn't work out, you can always take it to a professional shop later.
I think handling the side skirt dent by myself is quite risky. The deeply dented area might be connected to the car's frame, and improper pulling could lead to larger cracks or paint damage. It's advisable not to attempt a DIY fix for the sake of convenience. Using simple suction cups might work for shallow dents, but you must stop if it's a deep dent. Go directly to a professional repair shop—they have hydraulic equipment or precision tools for quick repairs. After the repair, applying paint to prevent rust is essential. Safety should always come first to avoid unexpected detachment while driving due to vibrations. I've seen many failed DIY dent-pulling cases that ended up costing several times more. Remember, addressing small issues promptly can extend your car's lifespan.
