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This guide explores several DIY methods for removing car dents—ranging from plungers and hot water to hair dryers and hot glue—and highlights when to seek professional auto repair services.
For being a ton of metal, your car sure can be vulnerable. All it takes is one selfish person who didn't put away their shopping cart, an unexpected hail storm, or you backing up a little too early, and bam! You have a dent in it.
If your car is a clunker, you may shrug it off. But if your car is new? That stings! And taking it to the shop can be expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, minor dents can be repaired. This post will look at some DIY methods to remove dents and will explain when to seek help from our experts.
Is a Dent a Big Deal?
Some people don't care too much about their car's aesthetic appeal, especially if they've purchased a cheap car to get them from point A to point B. For minor dents, it won't affect the car too much. As long as you don't care about the dent or don't care what others may think, you can get away with a minor dent.
The keyword is minor. If a dent has caused significant paint damage, the exposed metal underneath can corrode due to the elements, causing rust. Also, dents can affect resale value when or if you decide to sell your car.
Not to mention, you can repair many dents for cheap or free with your insurance if you handle them immediately, while the costs may be higher if you wait for them.
Prevention Is Key
The best way to repair a dent is to ensure you don’t get it at all. Obviously, it’s not 100% possible to avoid dents, even if you have your car in the garage at all times. But there are some ways to prevent them.
First, always park in covered areas, especially during the threat of a storm. If hail is possible, you should avoid taking your car out. Also, avoid tight parking spaces, especially at busy intersections.
Open your car door slowly in a cramped lot. Don't park near any stray shopping carts. Consider investing in door edge guards or full-body transparent protective film. And always maintain a safe following distance.
But, again, dents will happen. The good news: some dents are fixable using materials you have at home or can buy for cheap at a store.
DIY Methods to Consider
Over the years, car enthusiasts have found ways to repair their cars using household items. Here are some methods they’ve used. Disclaimer: Use these methods at your own risk.
Method 1: The Plunger
If your car has a small to medium-sized round dent on a flat surface, sometimes the best solution is to pop it back to its standard shape. You can use a cup plunger (you may already have one under your kitchen sink!) to pop it back to its shape. Avoid using a toilet plunger.
To pull the dent, wet the affected area and the plunger. Place the plunger over the dent, then push and pull. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear it pop out!
Method 2: Hot Water
This method is good for plastic parts such as bumpers. When heated, plastic becomes pliable, allowing the bumper to be altered back to its normal shape.
First, boil a pot of water and put some cold water into another pot. When boiled, take both pots to your garage or driveway and slowly pour the boiling one over the dented bumper. Then, reach behind the bumper and push! The heat should let you pop the dent out. Pour the cold water on the restored bumper so it sets.
Method 3: Hair Dryer and Compressed Air
Everyone has a hair dryer, and if you need to clean out your electronics, you may have canned air lying around. This method is also good for plastic parts. It's similar to the previous method but uses air instead of water. Get an extension cord and plug your hair dryer into it. Then, heat the affected area using the dryer's highest settings for 5-6 minutes. From the other side, pop the dent and spray the restored area with compressed air.
Method 4: Dry Ice (Avoid)
Some owners claim they have had luck using dry ice. The idea is that if you have some, you should wear protective gloves and rub the affected area with dry ice. Eventually, the extreme cold will cause the metal to contract. However, this method is largely a myth. It is possible that you can cause more damage to the area.
Method 5: Vacuum Cleaner (w/ Hose) and Bucket
If you have a bucket you're willing to sacrifice, this method may work for you. You need to cut a hole at the bottom of the bucket, place it over the dent, and seal it using tape. Then, using the vacuum cleaner hose, place it inside the bucket hole and turn it on. The dent should pop out.
Method 6: Wooden Dowel and Hot Glue Method
Finally, we have this method. For this, you need wooden dowels, screws, and a hot glue gun. You can find repair kits on Amazon or at your local store.
To do this method, take two screws and screw them into each end of your wooden dowels. With your glue gun, apply glue to one end. Stick them to different points around the dent. The glue will dry, and then you can pull the dent out.
Rubbing alcohol, heat, or a glue remover will help you remove the glue without damaging the paint. This method works great for extensive damage.
When to Call Us
With a single dent, you can get away with trying to fix it yourself. But if the dent is large or deep, there’s significant paint damage, or it’s in a hard-to-reach area, call us. Other reasons include the dented panel being made of aluminum, or your DIY methods didn't work, or you're not confident.
We at Brian Omps Towing and Repair have specialized in dent repair for years, and we’ve seen it all. No dent is too big for us. If you’re afraid of a costly repair, we work our best to provide a fair estimate and will work with your insurance company to get you a deal!
