Remove small dents on the car
Instructions: Remove a small dent on the car
Have you discovered a small dent on your car and want to remove it yourself? No problem, I'll show you how to do that. A dent can affect the appearance of your vehicle and, in the worst case, reduce the resale value. Such bumps are often caused by small accidents or bumping into obstacles. They can be of different sizes and located in different places on your car, such as doors, fenders or the hood. In this guide, you'll learn how to use simple tools and techniques to remove the bump independently and inexpensively without having to visit a workshop
Step 1: Assessment of the bump
First, you need to examine the bump carefully. Make sure that the dent is small (no larger than a few centimeters in diameter) and that the paint is not damaged. This is important because deep scratches or cracks in the paint require professional repair.
- Park the car in a well-lit environment to see the bump clearly.
- Clean the affected area thoroughly to remove dirt and dust.
- Use a flashlight or special lighting to better assess the depth and shape of the bump.
- Feel the bump with your hands to get a feel for its depth and the texture of the surrounding area.
- Take photos from different angles for a possible later assessment or for comparison after the repair.
Step 2: Prepare the tool
To repair a small dent, you will need a special dent repair kit, which you can buy at most car supply stores or online. These kits usually include a dent puller, glue sticks, and a scraper.
- Buy a good quality dent repair kit.
- Read the instructions of the kit carefully before you begin.
- Prepare a nearby power outlet in case your kit requires a hot glue gun.
- Have a clean, dry rag on hand to remove any excess glue.
- Make sure that all parts of the kit are complete and undamaged.
Step 3: Application of the glue
Heat the hot glue gun. Choose a suitable glue stick from the kit and insert it into the gun. Wait until the glue is hot enough.
- Hold the glue gun securely and avoid skin contact with the hot glue.
- Apply an appropriate amount of glue to the dent remover or special attachment.
- Carefully position the attachment in the center of the bump.
- Press the attachment firmly to make sure the glue adheres well.
- Allow the glue to cool and harden sufficiently before continuing.
Step 4: Pulling the Bump
After the glue has hardened, you can start pulling the bump. Attach the drawing tool to the glued attachment.
- Make sure the tool is tight and secure.
- Pull slowly and evenly to pull out the bump.
- Observe the change in the bump to avoid pulling too hard and overstretching the metal.
- Repeat the process if necessary to remove the bump completely.
- Be patient – it may take several attempts to completely smooth out the bump.
Step 5: Remove the glue
After the bump has been removed, you will need to remove the glue and attachment. This should be done carefully so as not to damage the paintwork.
- Heat the glue slightly with a hair dryer to soften it.
- Slowly peel off the attachment to loosen the glue.
- Use the scraper from the kit to carefully remove any leftover glue.
- Clean the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any adhesive residue.
- Polish the area with a soft cloth to restore the shine of the paintwork.
Step 6: Follow-up treatment
After the dent has been removed and the area has been cleaned, it is important to protect the paint and improve the appearance of the car.
- Apply a thin layer of wax to the repaired area.
- Polish the wax with a soft cloth for a glossy finish.
- Check the area from different angles to make sure the bump has been completely removed.
- Drive the car into the sun or under a bright light source to check the result.
- If necessary, repeat the process or consult a professional for further improvements.
By following these steps, you can effectively and cost-effectively repair small dents on your car yourself. Remember to be patient and follow the instructions carefully for the best result.
Common mistakes when DIY repairing a small bump on the car
Removing a small dent on the car can be a delicate task if you do it yourself. Here are some of the most common errors that can occur in the process:
- Insufficient preparation: Not enough cleaning of the affected area before starting the repair, which can lead to poor results.
- Wrong tools: Using inappropriate tools can worsen the dent or damage the paintwork.
- Excessive effort: Too much pressure can cause further dents or cause the paint to crack.
- Lack of patience: Quick, ill-considered attempts to remove the bump often lead to poor results and can cause additional damage.
- Ignoring professionals: Sometimes it is better to consult a professional, especially in the case of larger or more complicated bumps.
Cost of repairing a small dent on the car
The cost of removing a small dent on the car can vary depending on the workshop and the method of dent removal. Here's a rough breakdown of the possible costs:
- Labour costs: Labor costs can range from 50 to 150 euros, depending on the duration of the repair and the hourly rate of the workshop.
- Materials: If materials such as putty or varnish are needed, additional costs of about 20 to 50 euros may apply.
- Technology: The use of modern techniques such as Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) can affect costs. PDR is often cheaper and costs between 50 and 120 euros per dent.
Overall, the cost of removing a small dent on the car can range from 70 to 200 euros, depending on the specific circumstances such as the size and location of the dent and the repair method chosen.
Frequently asked questions about removing small dents on the car
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to remove small dents on your car yourself.
- How can I remove a small dent on the car myself?
You can remove small dents yourself with a special dent repair kit, which often includes suction cups and gluing technology. Another method is to heat the dent with a hair dryer and then cool it with compressed air spray to return the sheet to its original shape.
- How much does it cost to have a small dent removed by a specialist?
The cost may vary, depending on the size and location of the dent, as well as the workshop chosen. On average, the costs are between 50 and 150 euros.
- Can each dent be removed by yourself?
Not all bumps can be easily removed by yourself. Deeper or sharp-edged dents are better treated by a professional to avoid damaging the paintwork or material.
- What are the risks of removing a dent yourself?
If you don't use the right tools or techniques, you can damage the paint or make the dent worse. It is important that you inform yourself beforehand and that you should consult a professional if you are unsure.
- How can I avoid dents in the future?
To avoid dents, park your car at a sufficient distance from other vehicles and avoid narrow parking spaces. Also, watch out for flying objects in strong winds and avoid leaning heavy objects on or against the car.
