What to Do When the Rear of the Car is Dented?
2 Answers
The dented rear door can be repaired at a repair shop through metalworking and painting. Auto body repair can fix the deformed parts of the car's outer shell. For example, if the car body is dented, metalworking can restore it to its original shape. Then, by applying specialized paint, the deformed metal surface can be restored to match the rest of the undamaged areas, making it look as good as new. The process of auto body repair and painting is as follows: 1. Metalworking: To restore the dented parts of the car body to their original state, hammering and welding are required. 2. Filler application: After metalworking, uneven areas are smoothed out using a clay-like substance (commonly known as filler). 3. Sanding: Different grades of sandpaper are used to smooth out the uneven surfaces of the filler. 4. Primer coating: To prevent rust, a layer of anti-rust paint is applied. 5. Color matching: Before painting, the paint color is matched to the car's original color using a color chart. 6. Painting: The paint is applied to the damaged area. 7. Baking: To quickly dry the paint, the vehicle is placed in a paint baking room for "drying." 8. Reassembly: Reinstall any parts that were removed before the metalworking process.
After the rear of my car was dented in a collision, the first thing I had to do was ensure safety. I moved the car to the roadside and turned on the hazard lights to prevent secondary accidents. Next, I checked the condition of the car body: whether the dent was near the trunk or taillights. If these areas were affected, the door might not close properly or the lights could malfunction, increasing the risk of nighttime driving. I took photos as soon as possible for evidence, including the other party's license plate and a panoramic view of the scene, which is crucial when filing an insurance claim. I contacted the insurance company to report the incident, and they arranged for damage assessment. However, it's worth noting that for minor damages, paying out of pocket might be more cost-effective. I once had a minor dent and got it pulled out at a roadside shop, saving a few hundred dollars. But for severe damage, it's better to go to a 4S shop to ensure structural restoration. In short, don’t delay in such accidents—repair early to avoid worsening. Pay more attention to blind spots during daily driving to reduce the chance of recurrence.