Is it necessary to repair a slight dent in the fender?
4 Answers
It is necessary to repair a slight dent in the fender. Dent repair can be used, which will not cause any damage to the vehicle's paint. After the repair is completed, there is almost no impact. Compared to traditional sheet metal repair, it can prevent a decrease in the vehicle's resale value. Additional information: The function of the car fender: During the driving process, it prevents sand, gravel, and mud splashed by the wheels from reaching the bottom of the car body. Therefore, the materials used must be resistant to climate aging and have good formability. Some cars' front fenders are made of a certain elastic plastic material.
I was particularly concerned about such minor scratches when I first bought my new car. After all, I have to look at it every day while driving, and it just feels uncomfortable. A slight dent on the fender might not seem obvious, but over time, rainwater can accumulate in the dent and lead to rust. I recommend taking it to a professional technician for paintless dent repair. There’s a technique called suction cup repair now—no need for fillers or repainting, and it can restore the original condition in just half an hour. Last time, my car got a small dent from a bicycle collision, and it cost me 300 yuan to fix—good as new. Metal parts are like human skin; small damages left untreated can gradually worsen, especially if you frequently drive on highways, where wind resistance can also increase fuel consumption. Remember, don’t try DIY fixes like pouring hot water or using a toilet plunger—it’s easy to mess up the paint.
My old car has been running for ten years, and there are at least three or four dents on the door panels from electric bike collisions, but it still runs just fine. If the dent bothers you, measure its diameter—if it's larger than a fist or near the headlights or door seams, it's best to get it fixed, as it might affect door operation. Repair costs include material and labor fees. A regular repair shop would typically remove the fender, hammer it flat, and repaint, charging around 800 yuan, which is a fair price. Alternatively, you could buy a DIY dent repair kit online for just a few dozen yuan; a suction cup set might restore 70-80% of the dent. However, if the paint is scratched off, it's advisable to use a touch-up pen to prevent rust.
My neighbor works at a used car dealership, and he told me that small dents like this don't require immediate repair if they don't affect structural safety. First, consider the location—those near the wheel arches tend to accumulate mud and should be fixed, while those in the middle of the body can wait. Don't trust small repair shops blindly; I've seen people use putty to fill dents, only for them to bubble and crack within six months. The factory paint is precious—sanding and repainting can actually devalue the car. Nowadays, hail repair tools that don't damage the original paint are popular. If you're thinking about selling the car later, having the original paint all over can add an extra two to three thousand to the price. The theory of metal fatigue suggests that repeated hammering reduces strength, so it's better to keep minor imperfections as mementos.
