What to Do When a Car Gets Dented by Hail?
3 Answers
Small dents caused by hail on a car can be repaired using paintless dent repair (PDR). Here are the reasons for choosing PDR: 1. Preserve the original paint: The process is purely manual physical repair, which won't cause secondary damage to the car body and preserves the original paint. 2. Save time: Using automotive dent repair technology, repairing a dent takes 30-90 minutes, overcoming the drawback of traditional bodywork and painting which takes 1-2 days. 3. Excellent repair effect: Dents repaired with automotive dent repair technology won't discolor or fade, maintaining the car's original condition.
I once experienced my car getting dented by hail, and the sudden weather change really caught me off guard. The simplest method is to try a DIY repair: boil some water and slowly pour it over the dent to let the metal expand from the heat, then gently push the bottom of the dent to restore it. If that doesn’t work well, you can buy a small suction cup tool from Taobao to pull it out—just be gentle to avoid scratching the paint. This method is economical and practical; I’ve tried it multiple times, and it works well for shallow dents. Remember to apply some car wax afterward to protect against rust, as rainwater pooling in the dent can lead to rust spreading and affecting the body. Whenever possible, park in an underground garage or use a car cover to avoid future hail damage. Overall, it doesn’t cost much, and doing it yourself saves on professional repair fees.
My car also got small dents from hail, which look unpleasant but don't affect driving. I suggest not rushing to spend big money—try simple fixes first: pour some hot water over the dent, as the metal will expand slightly when heated, then gently push it flat with your fingers. Or buy a suction cup dent repair kit to pull it out yourself; a set costs just over ten bucks. Small dents can be left alone, but beware of water pooling and causing rust, which damages the appearance. Also, check your car insurance policy—if you have comprehensive coverage, hail damage might be claimable to cover repair costs. Make it a habit to park in sheltered spots, like under trees or using a car cover for prevention. DIY fixes save hassle and money; consider professional repairs only for serious damage.
