3 Easy Ways to Repair a Car Dent While You Wait to Take it to the Shop

Have you ever parked your car in the driveway, and when you went to get into it the next morning you noticed a dent? You swear it wasn't there the night before, and yet there it is in all its gut-wrenching glory.

While making a trip to auto body repair services isn't a big deal and can get your vehicle driving and looking like it's brand new, sometimes you just don't have the means or money.

So if you're unable to get to the garage right away, here are some quick dent repair tips in the meantime.

Use a Plunger
Yeah, that's right. Your plunger can actually be an easy way to get a light dent out of your car. Plunge the dent the same way you would a toilet, and hope that dent pops right out. Using a plunger probably won't work for large dents, especially those caused by a car accident. 

Push It
This method really only works for things like bumpers and other easily accessible areas. Dents from small rear-end and front-end collisions are the main target here. If this is the type of dent you're looking to fix, don't be ashamed. There's a rear end collision about every eight seconds on roads in the United States, so you aren't alone. If you can reach behind the bumper or fender, then you might be able to push the dent out. However, if the plastic is particularly stiff, you can pour boiling water on the front of the dent and then push behind it. The heat will make the plastic a little more pliable. 

Use the Katy Perry Technique
Another great way to repair dents in plastic is to use the Katy Perry technique, also known as the hot n' cold method. You'll need a hair dryer and compressed air (from a compressor or a can, either one works) for this one. Heat the dent with the hair dryer at it's hottest temperature, the plastic in the dent will begin to expand. Once it's hot enough, quickly spray the dent with the compressed air. The rapid change in temperature will force the plastic to contract and hopefully pop the dent right out. 

The key thing to notice here is that all of these methods sound pretty made-up. They're not, and you are certainly welcome to try them all. That being said, quality dent repair is really only available at a reputable auto body shop and the tips above are only quick fixes to get you by.

For quality dent repair, contact River North Collision Repair.