Hail can be a major pain for vehicle owners. Not only does it cause extensive damage, but it can also lead to minor dents that are difficult to remove. Leaving small dents can turn into a bigger and more costly problem down the road. A dent repair cost estimator can put into perspective how important it is to fix these smaller dents ASAP.
If you’re faced with a hail dent, don’t worry – there are several do-it-yourself techniques that you can try before resorting to professional help. This blog post will discuss 3 DIY techniques that can remove small dents caused by hail so you can have your vehicle looking good as new in no time.
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The Plunger Technique
This is the most common DIY technique for hail dent removal. All you need is a plunger and some water. First, wet the area around the dent with water. Next, place the plunger over the top of the dent and push and pull the plunger up and down.
The suction from the plunger will create a vacuum that will pull the dent out. If this doesn’t work, try moving the plunger around to different angles and see if that makes a difference.
The Hair Dryer Method
This method requires a hair dryer and a can of compressed air. First, use the hair dryer to heat up the area around the dent for about 30 seconds. You should hold the hair dryer around five to seven inches away for the best results. This will help to loosen the metal and make removing the dent easier.
Next, check the dented area for movement using your hands. If you can push the dent out from the inside, do so. If not, use the can of compressed air to cool down the area around the dent for 30 seconds. Doing this will cause the metal to contract and hopefully pop the dent out.
Try this process a few times if it doesn’t work right away.
The Dry Ice Technique
This is one of the more popular methods for hail dent removal but requires gloves, aluminum foil, masking tape, and a large block of dry ice.
First, ensure your gloves are heavy-duty, as dry ice can cause severe burns. Next, cut a piece of aluminum foil that is large enough to cover the dented area and tape it over the top. Then, take your block of dry ice and rub it over the aluminum foil for a few seconds. You should start to see the dent popping out because of the extreme change in temperature.
If done correctly, the dent should pop out within a few seconds. If not, try again but be sure that the aluminum foil is tight against the dent.
These are just a few DIY techniques you can try if you find yourself with a hail dent.
If none of these work, it’s best to have your car checked out by a professional auto hail repair shop. Dealing with dents quickly is essential to keeping your car in good condition!