As drivers go about their daily lives, it’s inevitable that they’ll acquire a good number of dents on their vehicle’s exterior. One could almost call it a rite of passage—one that’s especially noticeable to new car owners who must now repair the dent or simple ding. Luckily, dent and ding repair is a fairly inexpensive and easy process, whether you choose to take your car to the shop and have a professional work on it or try the job out yourself. If you are among the latter and want to attempt the DIY repair job, follow the steps below, and you’ll be ready to go:
- The first step in this process is to inspect the damage. If you see that some paint is missing or, worse, the metal has crumpled or creased, your DIY repair plans may have been thwarted. At this point, you might require the help of a professional from your local car shop.
- Before starting, completely wash the area and dry it afterward, so that there are no interfering elements that might harm the paint’s finish or the suction process.
- The technique used most often for getting shallow dents on your car back into place is the suction cup technique, which can be done easily using a dent puller. To use a dent puller, you must press the suction cup onto the middle part of the dent directly, ensuring there is a strong grip on the suction.
- Now, lock your dent puller by bringing the two handles together. When the dent puller is locked into place, start pulling out the dent using your own strength. This must be done using steady and firm precision—just yanking on it won’t get it done.
- Another common DIY technique for pulling dents is hammering them out. You’ll need a towel (preferably an old one or some other type of cushioning fabric) and a rubber mallet. Use the fabric to wrap up the mallet before deliberately (and slowly) working to knock the ding back in place. If it’s possible, try to hammer it out from the metal’s underside.
- As a preventative measure, wall guards are something to consider for protecting your bumper. These guards are especially convenient for individuals who frequently have to parallel park into tight spots.
- If a dent has left scratches on the car’s paint, you can always purchase some car paint or a scratch removal kit for touching up the spot.
Whether we like it or not, dents and dings usually happen when we least expect it. For those who realize that a dent is too big or too complex for a quick DIY fix, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your local auto mechanic.
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