
Since the car's exterior is made of a combination of sheet metal and plastic materials, the principle of thermal expansion and contraction can be applied by heating the dented area. Boil a large bucket of hot water and repeatedly pour it over the dented area. Once the dented area has been heated sufficiently, you can push it outward from the engine hood area with your hand, gradually restoring it to its original shape.

When I encountered small dents on my car's paint surface before, I found it quite effective to try fixing them myself. I used a hairdryer to heat the dented area to soften the paint, then gently pulled it out bit by bit with a specialized paintless dent repair tool, being careful to avoid scratching the paint. The whole process requires patience, taking about half an hour to restore it to its original condition. The tools are quite cheap to buy online, costing just a few dozen yuan. Remember to clean the surface first to ensure there's no dust. This method is suitable for small dents, doesn't damage the original paint, saves a lot of money, and also gives you some hands-on experience. Last time, when a stone hit my car while parked by the roadside, I fixed it this way and found it quite practical. For prevention, choose safe parking spots away from trees to reduce the chance of accidental impacts.

The most cost-effective way to repair paint dents is to DIY. I found plenty of small dent repair tool kits on Taobao, where you can buy adhesive pullers or suction cups for just tens of RMB. First, spray some cleaner, attach the pulling tool, and slowly pull with force—the dent will pop back out. For deeper dents, you might need to repeat the process a few times. Compared to professional shops that charge hundreds or even thousands, this method is budget-friendly. I once fixed a small dent on my car door—it only took twenty minutes and twenty RMB in materials, with great results. Of course, not all dents are suitable for DIY; large areas or cracked paint require professional help. For daily maintenance, wash your car regularly and inspect the paint to address minor issues early and prevent them from worsening.

DIY dent repair on car paint is risky, I prefer leaving it to professional shops. They have the expertise, using heat guns and specialized tools to safely pull out dents and restore the surface quickly. Last time I had a dent, I took it to an auto detailing shop - fixed in half an hour without a trace, well worth the few hundred bucks. Don't try prying it yourself, you might damage the paint or primer, leading to rust or leaks. To prevent dents, avoid parking in windy areas. Untreated paint damage allows rainwater seepage that corrodes the body, increasing repair costs.


