Is it necessary to repair a dent in the car skirt?
2 Answers
A dent in the car skirt needs to be repaired as it affects the vehicle's appearance. The materials commonly used for car skirts are plastic, metal, and aluminum alloy. Methods for repairing dents: First, clean the area around the dent with a cleaner to keep the paint clean. Then, wipe off the cleaner with a cloth, repeating the process as needed. Apply black adhesive to the suction cup to enhance its grip. Align the suction cup with the dent and leave it in place for a while. Once the suction cup is firmly attached, use a pry tool to pull the suction cup upward, leveraging the pulling force to repair the dent. Afterward, remove the black adhesive from the dented area to complete the repair. Use a rubber pen combined with a rubber hammer for secondary tapping. The leverage tool may leave slight protrusions on the surface, so use the rubber hammer's secondary force on the rubber pen to restore the paint surface's smoothness, preventing direct damage from the rubber hammer. Precautions for car dent repair: Before starting the repair, use a leveling light to assess the dent's condition and determine the repair plan. For example, in the image below, the dent is located on the front fender crease and is small in area, so using a pulling tool is not recommended. After removing the mudguard inside the wheel hub, use a leverage tool to repair the dent from inside the car body, refining the dent step by step. During the repair, pay close attention to the position of the leverage tool's pivot point and the applied force.
From my years of driving experience, whether to repair a dented car rocker panel really depends on the specific situation. If it's just a small dent that doesn't significantly affect driving safety and shows no signs of rust, I'd suggest leaving it for now to save some money. Repairing dents can easily cost hundreds or even thousands, which isn't cheap, especially for those on a tight budget. However, it's important to note that rocker panels are low and prone to water accumulation or mud buildup. Over time, rust and corrosion can spread to the frame structure, leading to serious issues. This is particularly concerning in rainy areas or during salt-spread winters. Simple solutions like Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) are quick and cost-effective. You can even try DIY with some tools, but beginners risk scratching the paint. It's best to get a professional assessment before attempting repairs—don't risk bigger losses to save small costs.
