How to Repair a Dented Side Skirt on a Volkswagen Lavida?

[Gordon]

The methods for repairing a dented side skirt on a Volkswagen Lavida are as follows: 1. The repair of the side skirt largely depends on the material used for the side skirt. If it is made of plastic, you can carefully tap it with a small hammer wrapped in a towel to restore its shape. 2. If it is made of iron or metal, you will need to take it to a repair shop for panel beating and repainting. 3. If it is made of aluminum alloy, it generally cannot be repaired and must be replaced. 4. You can also visit a repair shop to use dent repair technology, which involves using suction cups to pull out the dented area, then inserting a hook behind the dented region to slowly push it out, and finally using a rubber hammer to smooth out the protruding parts. The simplest methods for repairing a dented car side skirt: 1. Small suction cups can be used to repair minor dents on the car door. Attach the suction cups to the dented area; if the dent is large, prepare several suction cups and evenly attach them to the center of the dent. 2. Then, use tools to pull outward with appropriate force. 3. Utilize a specialized bridge-style suction rod for dent repair, which can adhere to the attached adhesive pad and continuously turn the nut until the dent is leveled out.

[VonElaina]

Last time my car's side skirt had a small dent, I bought a dent repair suction cup kit, applied some glue, stuck it on, and gently pulled a few times to fix it. For minor deformations, this trick works quite well and only costs a few dozen bucks. However, if the damage is too severe or the paint is cracked, don't force it—go to a professional shop. They use hot air to heat the plastic or metal surface, reshape and straighten it, and may add a paint coat to prevent rust. My Lavida was repaired once for a bit over 500 yuan, which isn't too expensive. Before DIY attempts, always test small tools first—safety comes first. Also, when driving, don’t get too close to the curb to avoid dents.

[JuneMarie]

I've repaired a dented side skirt, and my first thought was to control costs. For minor dents, using a suction cup or a heat gun to soften and push them out is cost-effective, costing only around 20 yuan. Severe dents involving body structure or paint damage are better handled by a repair shop: typically costing between 200 to 800 yuan, depending on the condition of the Lavida. If insurance covers accidents, filing a claim can save money. After repair, check for smoothness to avoid excessive wind noise at high speeds. Regular body inspections can prevent similar issues—overall, the cost isn't high, but don't delay to avoid worsening the problem.

[DeBrielle]

I used a simple method to handle small dents: heating the plastic side skirt with a heat gun to soften it, then pushing it back into shape from the inside of the car bottom, being careful not to use too high a temperature to avoid deformation. Metal parts can be tapped back into shape, but without experience, it's easy to cause damage. It's recommended to go to a professional repair shop, where the job can be done in about half an hour for around 300 yuan, as the Lavida's materials are easy to repair safely. After the repair, test drive the car to ensure it runs smoothly, avoiding any potential damage to the chassis caused by the dent. Pay more attention to protecting the car body during regular maintenance to reduce risks.