How to Repair a Dented Front Fender?
4 Answers
Remove the headlight ring and lamp holder, then place a backing iron inside the headlight hole, ensuring both ends of the iron grip the curved edge of the hole. Attach one end of the steel cable to the backing iron and the other end to a wall column or a suitable building structure.
Last time, there was a small dent on my front fender, and I fixed it myself with simple tools. First, I cleaned the surface to avoid dust interference; then I poured hot water on the dented area to soften the metal and used a small suction cup to pull it out firmly. While pulling, I applied even force—not too hard—to avoid damaging the paint. After two or three tries, it was mostly smooth, with just minor scratches, so I finished by spraying some touch-up paint. If the dent is shallow or hasn’t cracked, this method is cost-effective and simple. But if the dent is deep or the metal is cracked, don’t attempt DIY repairs, as it could worsen the damage. It’s good to keep some DIY tools handy—small issues like this can be handled without wasting money. Just remember to check if the headlight alignment is correct after the repair to ensure safety.
I personally believe it's best to have dents in the front fender handled by professional repair shops. Last time I had a small dent and tried to pull it out myself using a pry bar, but ended up scratching the paint and creating a raised bump, which made the repair more expensive. Professional repair technicians use specialized bodywork tools to first assess the depth of the dent and check for any damage to internal components before precisely pulling it back into shape, followed by repainting to restore the original appearance. This approach avoids causing bigger issues, such as loose internal structures affecting the suspension or headlight functionality. My suggestion is to go directly to a reliable repair shop and have them inspect it; spending a bit of money ensures peace of mind and reliability, especially since having a stable and safe car is what matters most. If you try to fix it yourself and make a mistake, the repair costs could end up being much higher.
When encountering a dent in the front fender, first consider whether it's worth repairing. Minor dents may only cost a few hundred yuan to fix. You can save some money by buying a DIY repair kit on Taobao, but it comes with higher risks. If the dent is severe or near the wheel arch, repairs could cost over a thousand yuan, especially if the metal is deformed, making it harder to handle. My usual approach depends on the car's age and insurance: new car owners can simply file an insurance claim to cover the repair costs, while for older cars, the decision to repair depends on the dent's size—if it doesn’t affect driving, I might leave it as is. Don’t rush into action; get quotes from repair shops first. Remember, repairs might impact the resale value of the car, so weigh the pros and cons to decide what’s most cost-effective for you.
