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No matter how cautious you are, dents and scratches on your car are inevitable. There’s always a risk of your car getting dents at some point, even when you’re not at fault, especially if you drive around heavily populated areas or tight spaces. Suffice to say, keeping your car exterior in pristine condition is a frustrating part of auto-ownership life.

The good news is there are some easy ways to fix these dents without breaking the bank. The key is finding out the extent of the damage, knowing how to handle them and what tools you’ll need for the job.

Read on to learn some of our top tips on fixing car dents and scratches that you can try. 

Use A Plunger

In many cases, you can fix your car's dents quite effectively if you're willing to give it a try. 

If the dent is small, you can use a plunger to push it out from the inside. Make sure to use a plunger that is used for the sink and not the toilet. 

Fill the bucket or bowl with water and submerge the plunger in it. Then get a suction-hold on the dent. Then gently pull to get the dent out.

Image source: Ratchets And Wrenches

Use Boiling Water

If the plunger alone doesn’t work, try it with hot water. Hot water causes the metal to expand, which can help to push the dent out. 

Boil a pot of water and let it sit for a few minutes. Pour it on the dent and wait a few seconds. Then use a plunger or towel to push the dent out. It's also recommended that you wax the area after this method. 

Use A Hairdryer

A hairdryer is like a heat gun. It can be used to pop out tiny dents without straining yourself. 

Aim the hair dryer above the dent and use maximum heat. Place a plastic bag over the hole and hold the dryer close to it for 5-10 seconds. The heat will then cause the plastic bag to expand which will help pop out the dent. You may need to repeat the process two or three times to see results.

Use A Vacuum Cleaner And Bag

This method often works on bigger dents. 

Make sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a long hose. Position it head-down on top of the dent and  set the suction pressure to maximum. Then place a plastic bag over the vacuum nozzle and secure it tight with a string or rubber bands. Blast the suction for around 8 seconds and then swiftly pull the vacuum away. As the bag pulls up, the dent should pop out. 

Toothpaste

This method is pretty simple and is surprisingly an effective fix for minor dents. Just squeeze a blob of toothpaste onto a cloth and rub it into the dent until it’s gone.

Wrench

This method works best for dents that are against a wall or another car. Simply place your wrench around one end of the dent and twist until it’s gone.

WD-40

WD-40 can also be used in fixing car dents. Spray some along the dent line and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wipe it away with cloth.

This will help loosen the stuck metal, making it easier to pull it back to its original form. 

Hot Glue, Wooden Dowels And Screws

Image source: DIY Auto Repair

This can be used for vehicles with bigger dents and also requires some paint removal. 

Glue the wooden dowel onto the area where the dent is, then screw the dowel in place. Pour a few drops of hot glue onto the top of the dowel and let it cool for a few minutes. Then use a screwdriver to pop the dent out.

Sanding For Shallow Scratches

Some minor scratches are unnoticeable but can still get under your skin once you take a good look and notice them. 

You can get rid of these minor scratches by rubbing the area with a wet sandpaper, preferably 2000 Grit. Spray some water in between sanding and keep cleaning the area. 

Applying Candle Wax On Scratches

Minor scratches can be covered up by rubbing some candle wax. This is not a permanent repair, though. Just an instant and temporary fix to cover up some fresh scratches on the car if you're in a bind. 

Do-It-Yourself Dent Removal Products

There are also some do-it-yourself dent removal tools and products that you can buy online. Be sure to read reviews or watch demos first before you buy the product. Also, follow the instructions carefully to avoid further damage to your car. 

The dent puller tool is a popular product. It's used by aiming the dent puller at an angle over the outside of the dent. Make sure the suction cup fits into the gap between the metal and then release it by pulling outwards. 

How To Fix Paint?

Fixing the dent may also mean that you need to do something about the paint too. Luckily, there are a few fixes for this problem. 

Try a rubbing compound paste. This helps by smoothening and hiding the scratches. Just rub and wipe it off using a damp cloth. 

Polish is also used to cover up dents. Apply it with a brush, let it dry and buff it lightly. 

If there are no dents, use car wax to protect the car paint.

Go To A Professional Service

If the dent is something that you know you can't handle, then it's best to leave the repair to a professional.  

It may cost more but they can surely fix the dent and bring it back to mint condition. 

To get your money's worth, be sure to read reviews and ask for referrals first. Do some research and find out about the costs involved and how long it usually takes to finish the repair. 

Conclusion

Dents and scratches are common. However, removing them can be tricky and expensive if you don’t know what you’re doing. You can always try to do these methods first but with extra caution. Overdoing or doing them incorrectly may cause further damage.  

If the methods don’t work, you can always turn to the professionals for assistance. They have the tools and expertise to get this job done.