How to remove a small dent from your car?

Been there, done that. We've all returned to our parked car only to find a dent staring back at us. Whether from a careless driver or an accidental bump, new car bruises can make us act a fool. The good news is that not all of them need an expensive visit to the auto body shop. With a few simple tools and a little bit of patience, small dent repair can be done right at home.

How big is the dent?

How to get small dents out of a car? If it's just a small or round dent, you can put your DIY skills to the test. If it’s a deep, skinny dent or looks like a wrinkle, you might need a pro. If the entire side of your car is caved in, it might be worth selling your car to Peddle. Get a no-pressure offer in minutes.

Get your DIY on

You'll need a plunger, a hairdryer, and a bucket of water. Use a hairdryer to warm up the area around the dent. Move the heat around and at a safe distance. This helps to expand the metal, making it easier to work with. Be careful not to overheat or burn the paint.

Next, wet the rubber suction cup of the plunger with water. This step creates a better seal and helps the plunger cling to the car's surface.

Place the plunger directly on the center of the dent and press firmly. With some oomph, pull the plunger outward a few times, and you should notice the dent gradually popping out. After a few attempts, check the dent. If it's still visible, just repeat the process.

If that doesn't work, you can also try a more involved process using dry ice and tinfoil.

Your last resort is to invest in a dent removal kit, which you can get at most auto parts stores and use for future dings.

Out of your league

Keep in mind that this DIY method may not work for every dent, and it's always a good idea to consider a professional. Additionally, if the paint is damaged or your car has special coatings or finishes, it's best to talk with a professional to avoid further damage.

Keep it local

Avoid going to a dealership or franchise body shop. Instead, look into mom-and-pop garages for repairs. They can serve up the same quality at a lower rate, and some can even come to you and fix the dent in 20 minutes or less.

Find a dent-doctor

Check online reviews (Google/Yelp) and compare prices by calling at least three places before choosing. Typically, coin-sized dings cost $60 to $110. Larger dents that are six inches or bigger can range from $200 to $350 to repair. You can swindle a better price if your car has more than one dent, and you get them all fixed at the same time.

If your car's boo-boos cost too much or beyond repair, then you can always sell it to us. Get a free, no-strings-attached offer today.