Repairing dents and scratchesRepairing dents and scratches


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Repairing dents and scratches

I have three teenage children, so our second car is constantly getting scratched and dents. I can't take it in every week to get repaired so I need to have a good relationship with my local auto body repairer. They know me really well, and they give me some little decant pots so I can at least do some small repairs at home to make sure the car body doesn't get damaged while I'm waiting to get into the auto painters. This blog is all about avoiding car damage when there isn't time to get small dents and scratches repaired.

3 Cost-Effective Methods Of Repairing Dents In Your Car

Preventing your car from acquiring dents in the course of its life can be one mighty challenge. No matter how hard you try, you may still find it hard to keep it safe from dings and dents as there are many ways a car can get hit. The good news is that dents can be easy to repair and may not require heavy tools to do so. In fact, what you need may be readily available in your home.  The following three methods explain how you can get rid of car dents using simple techniques.  

The Hair Dryer Method

The logic behind this method is simple: heat form the hair dryer causes the metal to expand, which in effect pops out the dent. The first step is to heat the dented area with a hair dryer until the dent pops out. Hold the dryer at a distance of five to seven inches from the panel to avoid overheating the paint. Then warm the dented area for three minutes. While the area is still warm, insulate it with aluminum foil and apply a cold component (dry ice) on top of the foil. Twirl the ice around the dent for a few minutes. The surface should react by flattening out.

The Plunger Method

A plunger is effective in solving small dent problems, and the method might be the simplest of all. Place the circle of the plunger over the dent in a way that the dent is in the center. This ensures that the dent receives most of the suction. Then pull the plunger away from the dented area. Take care not to move the plunger when applying the suction as it might scratch the paint.  The dent should be sucked out by the suction force of the plunger.  

The Doweling Technique

A piece of wooden doweling can help you get rid of large dents in your car. Cut a piece of wooden doweling into smaller parts, say 2 inches in length. The doweling should measure one inch in diameter. Make handles on the doweling sections by fixing screws on their sides. Then using a glue gun, attach the ends without the screws to the dented area in your car. When attaching the doweling pieces, use as many as you need, ensuring that there is 2 inch gap between each rod. Then pull the dent out by pulling each rod, one at a time. Remove the doweling sections once you observe that the dent has jutted out.

These techniques come in handy when you are in need of a quick fix. For a permanent solution, it may be wise to seek the services of a panel beater or a company like Northside Smash Repairs.