What to Do When the Car Body is Dented?
3 Answers
The dented car body can be repaired using the following methods: 1. Use hot water. Hot water can restore the dented car body. The principle is simple: plastic softens when heated, and the dented area can be pushed out by heating it. Once the dent is restored to its original shape, immediately cool the area that was just exposed to hot water with prepared cold water to allow the rubber to contract and recover. 2. Use dent repair tools. Sometimes, the force generated by hot water expansion alone is far from enough to push out and repair the dent, and external force is needed. Dent repair tools can just meet this need. 3. Push by hand. Car owners can also try to remove one of the car body screws, reach into the inside of the dented area with their hand, and push hard from behind to restore it. However, if there are scratches along with the dent, it is necessary to go to a repair shop for repainting.
Last year, a branch fell on my car's hood, leaving a small dent. Initially, to save money, I used a hairdryer to heat the affected area and then pulled it outward with a suction cup, which did help restore some of the shape. However, I later noticed slight internal deformation and worried about long-term structural integrity, so I took it to a repair shop. The technician used professional tools for panel beating and paint matching, costing 600 yuan, and the result was excellent. If the dent is caused by an accident, promptly contact your insurance company for damage assessment and cooperate with the traffic police for documentation—repairs might be free. When parking daily, avoid spots under trees or near walls to prevent similar issues. Address minor body damage promptly to prevent rust and extend your car's lifespan.
In the field of vehicle repair, experience teaches that it's best not to tamper with a dented car body immediately. Observe the dent location: if it's a small area on the door or rear quarter panel, test the elasticity by pressing with your hand—it might be possible to slowly pull it out using a suction cup tool. However, for large-area dents or those on the wheel arch, avoid DIY attempts as they may damage wiring or structural components, requiring professional panel beating correction. This involves filling with putty, sanding, and repainting to restore the original appearance. After repair, inspect the paint surface for integrity to prevent moisture penetration and rust. Costs start from 400, with major issues running into thousands; for new cars, visiting a 4S shop is more reassuring. Regularly check the car body during washes to prevent accidental bumps.
