How to Repair Small Dents on a Car?
2 Answers
Methods to repair small dents on a car: 1. Point the nozzle of a hair dryer at the dented area of the car, keeping the distance neither too close (to avoid melting the paint due to high temperature) nor too far (to ensure the repair effect); 2. After using the hair dryer, prepare a cover to shield the dented area—aluminum foil is recommended due to its excellent heat insulation, which helps maintain the temperature at the dent; 3. Place dry ice on the aluminum foil, wearing thick gloves to prevent burns, and use a stand to hold the dry ice in place; 4. For small dents, there's no need to move the dry ice back and forth, but for larger dents, move the dry ice around to ensure even cooling of the dented area; 5. After some time, if you hear a metallic sound, it indicates that the car dent is returning to its original shape. This method utilizes the principle of thermal expansion and contraction—the significant temperature difference between high heat and extreme cold causes the car's metal to deform, thereby restoring the dent.
I've been in the auto repair industry for over twenty years, and one of the most common issues I see is these small dents on car bodies. I recommend using paintless dent repair (PDR) technology. We use specialized tools to slowly push the dent out from the inside without damaging the original paint, keeping the surface perfectly smooth. The procedure is: First, clean the dust off the dent surface to ensure it's spotless; then use a suction cup tool to adhere to the dent area and apply even force to pull it back to its original shape; finally, check if it's fully restored with no residual marks. For DIY at home, you can buy a repair kit, but be careful not to apply too much force to avoid overstretching the metal structure. For safety, if the dent is near critical components, it's best to have it handled by a professional shop. After repair, applying some protective wax is recommended to prevent rust. Preventive measures include avoiding gravel roads or speed bumps while driving to reduce the risk of vehicle damage.