How to repair the dented side skirt of Volkswagen Lavida?
3 Answers
To repair the dented side skirt of Volkswagen Lavida: 1. Use a suction cup to pull out the dent on the side skirt. This method utilizes the difference in atmospheric pressure inside and outside to adhere to the object, providing a strong pulling force; 2. Attach the suction cup to the dented area. If the dent is large, prepare several suction cups and evenly place them at the center of the dent; 3. Then, use tools to pull outward with controlled force, as excessive force may turn the dent into a bulge. Taking the 2021 Lavida 1.5L Manual Comfort Edition as an example, the car's dimensions are 4670mm in length, 1806mm in width, and 1474mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2688mm. It is a 4-door, 5-seater sedan with a 5-speed manual transmission.
I have a Volkswagen Lavida, and a while ago the side skirt got dented after scraping against a curb. I tried fixing it at home because it's not that hard to do. First, gather the tools: a heat gun or hair dryer, plastic suction cups or a rubber mallet, gloves, and protective goggles. The process is quite simple: locate the dent, heat the plastic with the heat gun for about a minute—don't overheat it to avoid deformation. Once it's soft, gently pull it outward with the suction cup. If there are gaps, push from the inside. Be careful not to use too much force, or it might crack or damage the paint. After finishing, check for smoothness. If there are minor scratches, touch them up with a paint pen. The whole process requires patience and takes about half an hour. The tools can be bought online for just a few bucks. Safety first—wear protective gear to avoid burns. If the damage is severe, it's better to visit a professional shop, but for small dents, DIY is cost-effective and convenient, plus you gain some experience.
I've been driving this Lavida for several years, and when the side skirt got dented, I just drove straight to the repair shop. I find it hassle-free and reliable, saving me the trouble of figuring it out myself and wasting time. At the shop, the mechanics used professional equipment like air compressors or body repair machines, and with a few techniques, they popped out the dent. They also checked the surrounding connecting parts for looseness to prevent future water leaks or rust. The whole process took less than an hour, costing a few hundred yuan depending on the depth. If painting or part replacement was involved, they provided upfront quotes, which were quite transparent. I think choosing an authorized shop is better as it ensures quality, and if any issues arise later, they offer free re-repairs. After all, since I drive the car daily, fixing minor problems promptly helps maintain overall performance and gives me peace of mind while driving.
