Whether it’s a minor ding from a grocery cart or a larger dent from a collision, nobody wants an unsightly dent on their vehicle. But can they always be fixed? In today’s blog, we’ll take a closer look at the types of dents, how to identify them, and the repair options available to you.
Types of Car Dents
Not all car dents are created equal, and the first step in determining whether they can be fixed is to identify the type of dent. The most common types of dents include door dings, hail damage, bumper dents, and collision damage.
Door dings are caused by minor impacts, such as someone opening their door into your car, while hail damage occurs during severe weather. Bumper dents can be caused by backing into an object, while collision damage is the most serious and often requires extensive repairs.
How to Identify the Severity of a Dent
Once you’ve identified the type of dent, the next step is to assess its severity. A minor dent is one that hasn’t caused any damage to the paint or underlying metal, while a moderate dent will have caused some damage to the paint or visible creases in the metal. A severe dent is one where there is significant damage to the paint and metal, often with visible cracks or holes.
Repair Options for Car Dents
The repair method for car dents depends on the severity, location, and type of dent. For minor dents, the most common repair method is paintless dent repair (PDR), which involves massaging the metal back into its original shape without affecting the paint. PDR is an affordable and fast repair option, and most dents can be repaired relatively quickly. For moderate to severe dents, more complex dent repair methods may be required, such as sanding, filling, and repainting.
When to DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
While there are plenty of DIY dent removal methods available, these methods can often cause more damage than good. It’s always best to leave dent removal to the professionals, as they have the necessary skills, equipment, and experience to ensure a high-quality repair. Attempting to fix a dent yourself can often cause more damage and result in costly repairs.
Preventing Future Dents
While car dents are an inevitable part of owning a vehicle, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of dents from occurring in the first place. These include parking away from other cars, avoiding high traffic areas, being cautious when opening doors, and investing in car covers or protective film.
Inland Empire Autobody & Paint: The Best in Southern California
At Inland Empire Autobody & Paint Inc., we are a family-owned business specializing in collision repair, windshield care, and custom paint jobs. We have locations in Riverside and Moreno Valley, California.
Call us (951-465-7350). Contact us through our website or using our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about our full range of services.