Removing the dent from the car is sometimes quite expensive, especially if you have to go to the body shop. However, there are cases in which you can try to repair the car yourself, thanks to commonly used and easily available tools, such as a hairdryer, dry ice or a can of compressed air. Read on to learn how to do this.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparation
Step 1. Locate the dents
This method is particularly useful for small to medium imperfections. The bodywork may have more than you think, so check it carefully to find them all.
Step 2. Assess the severity of the damage
Dents that can be removed using the technique described here are usually found on the metal trunk panel, hood, doors, roof or fenders, but not on the edges.
For best results, do this type of repair on shallow dents that haven't bent the body and haven't damaged the paint. They also must not be wider than 7.5 cm
Step 3. Get the necessary materials
You need a hairdryer, resistant or thick rubber work gloves to be able to safely handle dry ice or compressed air in liquid form. Also get some aluminum foil, a pack of dry ice, or a can of compressed air. Here is the detailed list as a reminder:
- Heavy duty gloves insulated with a thick layer of rubber.
- A canister full (or nearly full) of compressed air.
- A pack of dry ice.
- A hair dryer with temperature control (for example "Low", "Medium" and "High" or "Cold", "Warm" and "Hot".
- Aluminium sheet.
Part 2 of 2: Procedure
Step 1. Apply heat to the dent
Turn on the hairdryer and direct the flow of hot air on the damage and the surrounding area for about one or two minutes.
The hair dryer should be set to medium temperature and kept 12-18cm from the body surface. Do not overheat the paint to prevent it from peeling off
Step 2. Isolate the dent area (if possible)
Put aluminum foil over the damage. Follow this step only if you want to use dry ice instead of compressed air. The purpose of this precaution is to keep the surface warm and, at the same time, to protect the paint from dry ice that could ruin the finish.
Step 3. Put on your gloves
These will protect you from cold burns and other skin injuries by avoiding direct contact with dry ice or liquefied compressed air.
Step 4. Apply ice or compressed air
The rapid change in temperature should cause the metal to expand first (with heat) and then contract (with cold).
- If you have decided to use dry ice, grab the block with one hand and rub it against the aluminum foil you spread over the dent.
- If you have opted for compressed air, turn the can upside down and spray the damaged area with a layer of "liquid air". Here are the scientific principles behind this method: the pressure, volume and temperature of a gas are connected to each other. Although the can loses heat as the gas escapes, if you turn it upside down, the gas cools.
- In both cases, apply the cold material only for a few moments. The surface panels of modern cars are constructed of relatively thin and light material that changes temperature rapidly. If you don't notice any immediate changes, it's unlikely to happen after 30-50 seconds.
Step 5. Wait briefly
A few moments after applying the "cold" you should hear a snap. This indicates that the dent has been repaired. The rapid change in temperature usually returns the material to its original form.
- If you have used dry ice, remove and discard the sheet of aluminum foil immediately after making the repair.
- If you used compressed air, wait until the white foam has melted on the surface of the machine and then remove any residue with a cloth.
Step 6. If necessary, repeat the procedure
In some cases, the dent must be treated several times. If you've noticed an improvement, but the repair isn't complete, then you can start over. However, don't overdo it with multiple attempts (especially on the same day). Although rapid temperature changes can “reshape” the bodywork, extreme cold can also damage the paint.
