What to Do When the Car Gets a Small Dent?
4 Answers
The simplest solution is to buy a car sticker to cover it. Nowadays, there are many stylish sticker options available that can conceal the flaw, add personality, and save money at the same time. You can also purchase a suction bridge-style dent repair kit online with some tools. If you're not in a hurry, you can drive the car to a nearby repair shop where technicians will perform metal sheet repair based on the car's condition.
Last month, my car's front door also got a small dent, which was frustrating, but I immediately tried DIY repair. First, I bought a suction cup tool, which can be easily found on Taobao for just a few dozen yuan. Align the center of the suction cup with the dent, press firmly to adhere it to the glass surface, then slowly pull outward with even force—don’t rush to avoid peeling the paint. If the dent is on a plastic part, you can use a hairdryer to heat the area until the plastic softens, then push it out. I’ve tried this method, and the results were decent. Remember to do this in warm weather, as plastic becomes too brittle in winter and may crack. If the paint isn’t damaged, this repair can mostly restore the surface, saving you a trip to the shop. But be cautious: if the edges of the dent are sharp, smooth them first to prevent injury. Clean and store the tools properly after use so they’re ready for next time. Before starting, watch some tutorial videos to avoid damaging your car. In short, solving small issues yourself is rewarding, and learning new skills feels great.
For a small dent, it's best to go straight to a repair shop. They have paintless dent repair technology, which is professional and quick. Last time, I had a dent on my rear wheel arch and went to a professional body shop. The technician first checked the extent of the damage with a special light, confirmed that the depth didn't affect the structure, then used tools to pull the dent out from a small hole without touching the paint. The whole process took only half an hour and cost just over 300 yuan. I recommend finding a reputable chain shop rather than going to a cheap, unreliable place to avoid minor issues after the repair. After the repair, remember to check the results, especially looking at whether the seams are smooth. For prevention, avoid parking in tight spaces to reduce the risk of scratches. Personally, I feel that professional service is worry-free and labor-saving, allowing the car to be restored to its original condition faster without affecting daily use. Take action quickly; don't delay as rust can make it harder to handle later.
Be cautious when filing an insurance claim for small dents. Last time, my front bumper had a minor dent. I first took photos as evidence, then called the insurance company for advice. The customer service representative mentioned that the repair cost might be below the deductible, and filing a claim could increase my premium. Later, I estimated the repair cost to be around 300-500 RMB, and paying out of pocket turned out to be more cost-effective. My suggestion is to inspect the dented area—if it doesn’t affect structural safety, consider DIY or visiting a small repair shop to save money and hassle. Remember to keep the receipts in case of future issues. Insurance is more suitable for major accidents; don’t rush to claim for minor bumps. Handle it yourself.
