How to Repair a Ding

Keep a car looking new and free of dents.

Maintaining a car takes effort. Along with taking care of the engine, you may want your car to look as good as possible, especially if you plan to keep it for many years. After all, buying a car is not cheap. Some problems, however, are beyond your control, such as the inevitable ding. This is irritating, but you can take care of this blemish simply enough with a few steps at home, thereby saving a lot of money at a body shop.

Things You'll Need

• A product that pops a dent
• Hair dryer
• Dry ice
• Aluminum foil
• Work gloves
• Masking tape
• Touch-up paint
• Car polish
• Clean rags

Instructions

1. Cover the area containing the ding with aluminum foil. This serves to protect the paint job. Use masking tape to secure the aluminum foil. Try this on deeper dents that cannot be removed with a commercial product that pops out dents.

2. Heat the covered area. A blow dryer is an efficient and simple way to apply heat. Aim the blow dryer on every part of the covered area. This may take from five to 15 minutes. The important thing to note is the area must be warm to the touch.

3. Put on work gloves and cool the area containing the ding by applying dry ice. This needs to be done immediately after the area is heated up. Place the dry ice on the covered area for five seconds. The rapid cooling action causes the heated metal to contract and pop the ding.

4. Remove the aluminum foil. Inspect the area. If necessary, apply heat and cold again, following the same steps as earlier.

5. Apply touch-up paint to any chipped or cracked paint areas. Auto parts stores carry paint for vehicles, so buy the right color for your make and model of vehicle and apply paint according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Apply car polish. Wait at least 24 hours for the painted area to dry. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a clean rag to apply and wipe off the polish.

Tips & Warnings

• Auto stores sell products that pop out dents. But you must be careful before buying something like this. Carefully inspect the type of dents and their location, because these products only work on minor dents or indentations located on a flat surface of the vehicle, away from any curves or creases in the body surface.

• Use extreme caution when handling dry ice. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the extreme cold.

References

• Autos.com: How to Remove Car Dents with Dry Ice