Depending on the size of the dent on your car door, repairing the damage you can do yourself, without any special tools. Discover how DIY can save you money.
DIY car dent repair
Repairing a dent in your car can be expensive, especially if the work is performed by an auto body repair shop. However, it is possible to remove some small dents, dings and creases without professional assistance using common items you may already have around the house.
This method works best on a dent that is at least eight centimeters across. If it's not very deep and is close to the middle of a flat metal panel (like the one over your trunk, or on your doors or roof), this method can help.
You'll need:
- A portable hair dryer
- Heavy duty rubber gloves
- Dry ice or compressed air
- Aluminum foil (if you’re going to try the dry ice method)
Step one: Heat the dented area
Turn the hair dryer to the “medium” or “warm” setting and apply heat to the damaged area. Hold the hair dryer five to seven inches away from the car’s surface to prevent damage to the paint. Apply heat for about one minute or until the area is warm to the touch.
Step two: Insulate the affected area
Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the area to be treated for insulation. This step should only be included if you are using dry ice rather than compressed air.
Step three: Apply dry ice or compressed air
Be sure to wear heavy duty rubber gloves to protect your skin from frostbite if it should come into contact with dry ice or liquid compressed air.
If you are using dry ice, gently rub a piece onto the insulated area until you hear the dent pop back into place.
If you are using compressed air, turn the can upside down and spray the damaged area until it is covered by a layer of liquid ice. Liquid ice forms as a result of spraying the can of compressed air while it is turned upside down.
Step four: Wait for the dent to pop back into place
Within a few minutes of applying dry ice or compressed air you should hear a pop, which indicates that the dent has been repaired.
And that’s all there is to it. Simply remove the aluminum foil or wipe away any residue from the compressed air. Your car door should look normal again.
