How to Repair Hail Damage on a Car?

[EverettMarie]

Methods to repair hail damage on a car include: 1. Pull-out method: Insert the hot melt glue stick from the back of the glue gun, plug the glue gun into a power socket, set the glue gun to a higher temperature, preheat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure the hot melt glue is completely melted, pull the trigger of the glue gun, apply the melted glue to the traction pad, and pull it outward; 2. Pry-up method: Remove the interior panel of the door, unfasten the door panel clips, disconnect the wiring harness on the door panel, and insert a tool inside the door to pry. Methods for car maintenance include: 1. Avoid washing the car under direct sunlight to prevent the paint from cracking due to sudden temperature changes; 2. Regularly inspect the car's paint surface and address any cracks or scratches promptly.

[McLaura]

Last year, my car roof got over a dozen small dents from hail. I managed to fix the shallowest ones with a DIY method: pouring boiling water on the dents, then using a toilet plunger to pull them out while the metal was softened. It worked especially well on dents in the plastic bumper—just a light suction and they popped right back. The metal surface was less responsive and required a few attempts. There are specialized dent-pulling tool kits available on Taobao, complete with hot-melt glue sticks and various-sized puller heads, which turned out to be easier to use than I expected. Of course, this trick only works for minor dents with intact paint; anything deeper than a coin size won’t budge. For larger dents, it’s better to take it to a repair shop—trying to DIY could crack the clear coat.

[Juan]

Hailstorms are common in our area, and car enthusiasts often discuss dent repairs. The most popular method is PDR (Paintless Dent Repair), where technicians use various pry bars to push the dents out from the inside of the door panels, adjusting angles with light reflection. I just tried it last week—the repair shop removed the windshield to fix roof dents without using any filler. However, be cautious with older cars; my neighbor's vintage car had hardened body panels, and a crack appeared during the repair with a loud 'snap.' After repair, it's recommended to apply crystal coating on the paint, as hail dents tend to trap moisture and rust easily. Pricing is per dent, with package deals for 20+ dents, which is much more cost-effective than individual repairs.

[VonWyatt]

Hail damage to cars is most troublesome for panoramic sunroofs and windshields. Last year, my sunroof got spiderweb cracks from hail, and the auto parts store technician said laminated glass must be replaced entirely. During repairs, remember to check if the sealing strips have shifted, otherwise rainwater will definitely leak. Dents on metal car bodies are categorized into single-layer and double-layer panels - doors with double-layer panels are the hardest to repair, requiring interior trim removal. Aluminum hoods are more delicate; improper tool pressure during repair can cause deformation. Post-repair, it's advisable to test light sealing - my friend's daytime running lights got moisture inside due to bodywork vibrations.

[VanBraxton]

There are several key points to note in sheet metal repair: First, avoid working under direct sunlight as high temperatures can cause metal to rebound. Secondly, deep dents require disassembly for proper repair—areas like mirror bases are inaccessible without removal. Roof dents are the most troublesome, requiring headliner removal for access. Always test-drive after repairs—I learned this the hard way when my rear parking sensors failed post-C-pillar repair due to pinched wiring. Preserve factory paint if possible, as repainted surfaces often develop orange peel within 3-5 years. Critical note: Windshield repair fluid works on cracks but is completely ineffective against star-shaped hail damage.