How to Restore a Dented Car Side Skirt?

[ArabellaRose]

Here are the methods to restore a dented car side skirt: 2. The dented car skirt is relatively easy to handle. For plastic side skirts, you can try pouring hot water to let it bulge back on its own, or use some specialized tools to pull it out. For metal skirt dents, they can be pulled out using a dent puller. If pulling doesn't work, you can cut it off and weld on a new piece. 1. If the dent is severe and has started to rust, you can repair the rusted dented area by cutting and welding. Use a grinder to cut off the rusted dented part of the skirt, then cut a piece of sheet metal of similar size and weld it on. Smooth and level the weld points with a grinder, then repaint to complete the repair. 3. If the dented area of the car has started to rust, it is recommended to address it as soon as possible because rust is like a contagious disease for cars—it will continue to spread until the entire part is corroded. When a part rusts, the paint surface will bubble, wrinkle, or even peel off.

[AnaFitz]

If the car's side skirt is dented and you have some DIY skills, you can try to fix it yourself. First, check the extent of the dent: if it's minor, such as only dented by one or two centimeters, purchase a car suction cup tool, clean the surface dust, and then attach it to slowly pull it back into shape. If it's made of plastic, use a household hair dryer or heat gun to soften it, then push it out with a tool. Wear gloves throughout the process to protect your hands, and avoid using too much force to prevent cracking. After repairing, apply some protective wax to prevent rust. However, DIY comes with risks—if you damage it further, repairs could become more expensive. When parking, be careful not to hit the curb to reduce the chance of damage. DIY can save some money, but for more complex issues, it's safer to seek professional help.

[OCali]

I've dealt with this issue before, and I recommend going straight to a repair shop. They use professional bodywork tools to straighten out the dented area. If the side skirt is severely deformed, it might need to be removed for repair or replaced entirely. Don't forget to match the paint to the original color, or it'll look unsightly. Finding a reputable repair shop is more worry-free, with moderate pricing—just a couple hundred bucks should cover it. DIY repairs can easily go wrong, like using the wrong tools and making the dent worse, or even affecting the car's body structure. Make it a habit to check the condition of the side skirts during car washes to catch small issues early.

[FelixMarie]

The repair method for a dented side skirt depends on the material: plastic or metal. Plastic is simpler to fix; use hot water or a heat gun to soften it, then push it back into shape. For metal, carefully reshape it with a pry bar. Minor dents can be repaired yourself, but severe damage may require replacing the part, costing a few hundred yuan at most. After repair, remember to prevent rust by sanding the area smooth and repainting it. To save money in the long run, avoid squeezing through narrow spaces to reduce collisions.