How to fix small dents in car

Denting your car is frustrating, especially as repairs can be costly – all because a wall or a lamppost got in your way when you were reversing into a space or manoeuvring around a corner. However, there are a few hacks you can use to fix dents in your car.

These tried and tested DIY tips only require household items and might just save your car – and your garage bill. You don’t want the dent in your car to lead to a dent in your pocket.

If the dent in your car is particularly deep or big, you’re unlikely to be able to fix it at home. If the damage is severe, you might have to accept that your car needs to be repaired professionally.

But if it’s just a little dent, you stand a better chance of fixing it. Get yourself some protective gloves and a pair of safety glasses before you begin.

There’s no guarantee that you won’t damage your car’s paintwork, but many have achieved success with these tips.

Your plunger isn’t just a household item any more.

Sprinkle a little water on your plunger and on the dent, and press the plunger over the dent. Apply as much pressure as you can and then pull the plunger away. Be careful not to pull at an angle.

Keep in mind that this trick only works with a flat plunger, the type you would use to unclog a sink. Flange plungers, the type designed for toilets, won’t work.

If denting your car has caused a small bulge in the paint work, you might be able to literally blow the problem area away with a hairdryer. This method is most effective on plastic surfaces, like car bumpers.

Use an extension lead to get your hairdryer outside, set the hairdryer to a medium heat and aim it at the dent for a few minutes. Then, check whether the bulge feels softer. You may need to heat the area for longer. Once the bulge is malleable, spray the area with a can of compressed air to contract the plastic. Make sure you hold the can upside down.

A vacuum cleaner with strong suction can be effective when it comes to small dents. Combining the vacuum cleaner with a bucket can make your suction even stronger.

Make a small hole in the base of your bucket and tape the vacuum nozzle over the hole, making the hole airtight. You can then use your vacuum contraption to pop a hollow dent out.

Small dents can often easily be repaired by pouring boiling water over the problem area. Once the body work is warm, it becomes more malleable, and it’s easier to pop the dent back out from the other side.

Dry ice may not be such a regular household item, but if you can get hold of some, it can be effective to fix dents in cars. Rub the dry ice in a circular motion over the dent until it pops back into place. It’s especially important that you wear protective gloves for this one.

If the dent is in one of the car doors, you may be able to fix it from the inside. Use a mallet to tap gently on the inside of the door until the dent pops back out.

You don’t have to take your car to a mechanic to fix your dent with a professional tool. DIY Car Service Parts stock various tools and kits to fix dents in your car, including dent pullers, all under £10, as well as dent remover glue kits.

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