What to Do When the Car Body is Dented?
4 Answers
First, use an iodine tungsten lamp to heat the dented area, and it may pop out. If you have a hair dryer at home, you can also use it, but keep it at a safe distance to avoid damage. Alternatively, prepare a large bucket of hot water and slowly pour it over the dented area using a ladle. Be patient, as this heating process takes time.
I suggest first assessing the size and location of the dent. Small dents the size of a coin can be attempted with a suction cup tool—available on Taobao for just tens of yuan. Heat the surface and pull slowly during operation, but be careful not to scratch the paint on metal car bodies. For medium or large dents, seek a professional panel beater. They employ paintless dent repair (PDR) technology that preserves the original paint. I often choose reputable shops charging between 500 to 1500 yuan, ensuring good results and avoiding future issues. Severe dents affecting structural integrity, like door deformation, may require disassembly or even part replacement, which is more expensive. Also, check for water leaks causing rust and immediately park the car in a garage to shield it from rain. When filing an insurance claim, take photos as evidence for quick processing. Don’t delay—based on my experience, early repairs save both hassle and costs.
I've been DIY car repair for years, and small dents are often fixed with a hot glue pull rod tool. For example, last time I heated the dent on the rear bumper and used a toilet plunger to pull it flat, which took half an hour. Plastic parts are simpler than metal, but the risk is higher as they might get damaged. I recommend buying a repair kit that includes a heater. The steps are: clean the surface, heat the dent, and slowly pull. Suitable for dents within 10cm, don't attempt on large dents. There are many tutorials online that I often learn from, but beginners shouldn't take risks. For prevention, install side strips and guards to reduce parking scratches. The tools aren't expensive and it's good to have a set, but professional repair is more reliable.
Dents in the car body are not only unsightly but can also lead to water seepage and metal rusting, exacerbating damage. For instance, water pooling in dents on the sill trim can harm electronic components, and delaying repairs can multiply costs. I emphasize safety first—dents in the lighting area that impair visibility should be repaired immediately. Small dents can be DIY-fixed, or professional repair starts from 500 yuan, which is cost-effective. For insurance claims due to accidents, document evidence; otherwise, you'll pay out of pocket. Check for cracks, apply anti-rust paint for protection, and don’t overlook regular inspections.
