Whether your car is brand new or getting up there in years, a dent is never something you are excited to see. You may wonder whether it is possible to fix a dent yourself, or even if you need to fix your dented car at all. After all, a little dent in your vehicle’s exterior can’t be that big of a problem, right? In reality, you must get dented areas examined as soon as possible after the incident. Not only can a professional fix your dent, but they can also make sure that your car continues to function safely to protect you.
Do I Need To Fix A Car Dent At All?
A dent in your car is more than just a visual eyesore-though many people choose to have them fixed solely for that reason. Left unattended, a dent or ding in your vehicle’s exterior is an entry point for moisture and outside elements. That means that over time, your vehicle could start to rust from the point of the dent. Fixing rust is a much more invasive and expensive process than removing a dent, so it is worth getting dents checked out while they are still new.
Can I Fix A Dent Myself?
The internet is full of DIY dent repair tips, from pouring hot water on your car to yanking on it with a plunger. As you may expect, these methods provide less than reliable results. What’s more, they can damage your vehicle further by scratching or chipping the paint. This will only make your car’s long-term protection worse, and so trying to fix a dent by yourself often results in making matters worse. Instead, consider taking your car to an auto body restoration professional who has the tools to fix car dents the right way.
How Does A Professional Fix A Car Dent?
A professional will fix a car dent using specialized equipment built specifically for that purpose. They will examine the damage done by the dent, and if it is severe enough, they may recommend that you replace that part of the exterior instead of removing the dent. PDR, or paintless dent repair, is an option for dents that are not highly angular. A professional can get into the backside of the dent and attempt to push it out without damaging the paint. This process is delicate and takes experience.
Alternatively, both stud welders and dent pullers rely on using powerful pulling forces to invert the dent back to its proper shape. These tools are made specifically for this purpose, so they are less likely to damage your car than DIY options.
How Much Will It Cost To Fix My Car’s Dent?
The cost to fix your car dent will depend on where it is located, how deep and large the dent is and even what make and model of vehicle you drive. Very small dents might only cost $50, whereas dents that span multiple pieces of the car or completely change the shape of a piece like a bumper can range upwards of $2500. On average, dents about an inch wide go up to about $150 to repair. The most expensive dents will be those that occur on areas with sensors and hard to reach areas where the best option is to replace the entire part.
Remember that the benefits of repairing a car dent may not be immediately apparent. Sure, you get to enjoy a more visually pleasing car-and that by itself can be worth the expense. However, cars without dents sell or trade-in for a higher price, and you can rest assured that a professional will make sure that the formerly dented area will not cause any problems with rust later.
There is also safety to think about. Your car’s body is meant to properly absorb shock and energy so that, should you experience a collision, you are protected. Dents can interfere with this process and cause more severe shock to be transferred to you. Thus, it is also a safety concern to repair dents as soon as possible.
Trust The Pros To Fix Your Car’s Dents The Right Way
Whether you are unhappy with the appearance of your car because of a small ding or you are facing down a deep, wide dent, leave the repair to the pros. The experts at Robs Customs & Restorations would be happy to help you understand your options and work within your budget to restore your vehicle. Reach out to ask any questions or to schedule an appointment.