How do I repair a dent in my car?
Bodywork is one of the most costly jobs for car owners, which is why rustproofing treatments and protective films are so important. Being vigilant at the wheel also helps, but some things are unavoidable, like debris on the road, a badly thrown baseball or another vehicle's door opened too quickly in a parking lot.
Luckily, some damage to your car or van is easier to remove than others, especially if the paintwork isn't too badly damaged. These include dents and dings. You can turn to a specialist workshop, or try your hand at home with a few simple tricks.
Warning: None of the examples we'll look at here offer a guaranteed result, but they're worth a try if only to save a few dollars. If the work is not to your liking, you can always call in an expert.
Firstly, as the metal of the bodywork reacts to temperature variations, heat the corner for 30 seconds by holding a hair dryer at a distance of about 15 cm. Then cover with aluminum foil and rub with dry ice. The lump may return to its original position in as little as a minute.
In the case of a plastic part, such as a bumper or fender flange, pour boiling water over it and apply pressure with your hands to make the indentation disappear. If the plastic comes back into place, sprinkle cold water on the same spot to harden it.
It may sound crazy, but a toilet siphon can help bring out a sunken piece of bodywork by creating a suction effect. Pour water over the surface and use the siphon to gently push and pull. Continue for as long as necessary, but if it doesn't work after five or six strokes, move on to another solution.
Our final tip is to buy a dent repair kit from an auto parts store or workshop, or even online. The damage doesn't have to be extensive, of course. One thing's for sure: it's a lot cheaper than a professional.
