How to Repair a Dented Car Side Skirt?

[AdelineDella]

When a car's side skirt is dented, it should be repaired promptly. Here is a detailed introduction on how to repair a dented car side skirt: 1. The repair of the side skirt largely depends on the material used: For plastic materials, you can carefully tap with a small hammer wrapped in a towel to restore it; for iron metal materials, you need to take it to a repair shop for panel beating and painting; for aluminum alloy materials, it cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced. 2. Use a suction cup to pull out the dent: Attach the suction cup to the dented area, then use a hook to reach behind the dent and slowly push it out. Finally, use a rubber hammer to smooth out the protruding parts. If the dent is large, you can prepare several suction cups and evenly attach them to the center of the dented area. 3. Use tools to pull outward with force: Apply skillful force when using tools to pull outward for repair. 4. Specialized bridge-style suction rods for dent repair: These can grip the adhesive pads we attach and continuously turn the nut until the dent is flattened.

[DeLeilani]

I've been repairing cars for over a decade. For side skirt dents, it depends on the material. Plastic side skirts can be heat-repaired by softening them with a heat gun and then pushing them out, but keep the temperature below 200 degrees. For metal side skirts, first assess the dent's severity—small dents can be tapped out with a rubber hammer around the edges, while larger dents require panel beating. I recommend removing the wheel to inspect the inner side; if the car's frame is damaged, it's a serious issue. After repair, rust-proofing is essential to prevent rust during rainy days. Post-repair, a wheel alignment is advisable as some dents can affect suspension positioning.

[MacReid]

I've personally repaired side skirt dents three times, and simple dents aren't actually difficult to handle. For plastic side skirts, pouring boiling water to soften them before pushing out the dent works well, while for metal ones, slowly pulling outward with a suction cup tool is effective. A set of repair tools bought online for a few dozen yuan is sufficient, but remember to place a soft cloth when pulling to avoid damaging the paint. If the dent is too large, it's better not to bother and just go to a professional repair shop. After repair, remember to apply a layer of car wax to protect the paint surface, otherwise, marks can easily remain.

[LaXavier]

For side skirt dents, it's best to go to a 4S shop or professional repair shop. The repair shop will use sheet metal equipment to pull out the dent, and severe deformation may require repainting. The cost is around three to five hundred yuan, taking two to three days. If you have auto damage insurance, you can file a claim, and accident photos are required when reporting the case. After repair, check if the underbody sealant is intact, otherwise, water may leak into the cabin during rainy days. It's recommended to also have a chassis inspection, as sometimes side skirt damage can lead to suspension deformation.