Sometimes it’s the smallest bits of damage to your car that can be the most frustrating. Many car owners will leave “small” damages like dents or scratches because they assume it will cost too much to try and repair them.
They’d rather live with the imperfections than resolve the issue.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways to remove dents from your car without spending big bucks or lots of time. Check these out:
1. Take the Plunge
This one may garner some funny looks from your neighbors, but it’s sure to save you some major money. Run inside and grab your plunger.
This method works well for small to medium-sized dents and dings in your car.
It’s an effective alternative to taking your car in and having the paint removed and all kinds of unnecessary work done–work that costs.
The key is to wet both the dent and your plunger to get a good stick. They type of plunger you use does matter. A cup plunger works much better than the flange plungers commonly used for toilets.
Stick the plunger to over your dent and start plunging until the dent pops back into place.
2. Compressed Air and Hair
Well…hairdryers that is…
This method may sound like something you’d see at a 3rd-grade science fair, but it works like a charm. Put your hairdryer on maximum heat and blow that hot air directly onto your medium-sized dent.
The hot air will cause the plastic to expand.
Once you’ve done this for a few minutes, grab your can of compressed air and point it (upside-down), at the dent and spray. As the cold air from the compressed air can is blown on the expanded plastic, the dent will pop out.
It’s basic science at work.
3. Dry Ice
Similar to the compressed air can and hairdryer method, dry ice works in a similar way on small dents.
Wearing protective gloves, hold a small piece of dry ice onto the dent. After a few moments, tiny dents should pop right back into place. If needed, you can use the hairdryer on the dent first and then apply the dry ice.
4. Boiling Water
If the damage to your car is severe, your best bet may be to bring it to a reliable auto body repair shop. However, if the dents are small to medium-sized, this is another effective method for doing it yourself.
If your dent is on the bumper of your car, boil some water and pour it onto the dented area. The heat of the water will make the bumper more malleable so you can reach behind the bumper and pop the dented plastic back into place.
Be sure to pop it back quickly after the water has been poured on as the heat’s effect will only last until the car cools off again.
5. A Suction Tool
When all else fails, but you’re still set on getting the dent out yourself, you can try a suction tool. Hardware stores or even some auto body shops may sell dent-removal kits or suction tools.
These can be used at less cost than taking your car in and having paint removed.
More Ways to Remove Dents
Unfortunately, to remove dents yourself may not always be possible. Some damage is too severe to handle on your own without causing further damage to your vehicle.
When this is the case, turn to the experts. Contact the professionals at Limerick Auto Body today for all your car care needs.