No matter how careful you are, dings and dents seem almost inevitable when driving or parking in Los Angeles. Whether it’s a rogue shopping cart, a car door in a crowded parking lot, or a stray rock kicked up on the freeway, small dents happen. Below, we’ll walk you through different methods to get a ding out of your car, from simple DIY tricks to professional auto body repair options when needed.
Assessing the Damage
Before attempting any repairs, you should take a look at the dent to evaluate it. Not all dings can be fixed at home, and trying the wrong method could make things worse.
Is the Ding Repairable at Home?
Consider the following:
- Size & Depth – If the dent is small (about the size of a quarter) and shallow, there’s a good chance you can fix it yourself. Deeper dents may require professional tools.
- Location on the Car – Dents on flat surfaces like doors, hoods, or fenders are easier to repair. Dings near edges, curves, or body lines are trickier.
- Paint Condition – If the paint is scratched or cracked, DIY repair won’t help much—you’ll need repainting or touch-up work.
DIY Methods to Remove a Car Ding
If your dent is minor and meets the above criteria, you can try one of these methods.
1. Plunger Method (For Shallow Dents on Flat Surfaces)
A household plunger can work surprisingly well for small dings!
How to do it:
1. Use a clean, wet plunger (a sink plunger works best, not a toilet plunger).
2. Place it over the dent and push down to create suction.
3. Pull outward with steady force.
4. Repeat a few times until the dent pops out.
Best for: Small, shallow dents on doors and panels.
Limitations: Won’t work on sharp creases or deep dents.
2. Boiling Water for Plastic Bumpers
If the ding is on your plastic bumper, heat can make the material flexible enough to push the dent out.
How to do it:
1. Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it over the dented area.
2. Reach behind the bumper and gently push the dent out from the inside.
3. Pour cold water over the area to help it set back in place.
Best for: Plastic bumpers with shallow dents.
Limitations: Won’t work on metal parts of the car.
3. Hair Dryer & Compressed Air Method
This method uses heat expansion and rapid cooling to pop dents out.
How to do it:
1. Use a hair dryer to heat the dented area for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Immediately spray the area with compressed air (held upside down).
3. The sudden cooling should cause the dent to contract and pop back into place.
Best for: Shallow dents on doors, hoods, or fenders.
Limitations: Less effective on large or deep dents.
4. DIY Dent Repair Kits
For slightly more advanced repairs, a dent puller kit from an auto parts store can help.
How to use it:
1. Apply a pulling tab with hot glue to the center of the dent.
2. Attach the provided pulling tool and slowly pull outward.
3. Remove the tab carefully once the dent is gone.
Best for: Medium-sized dents on flat surfaces.
Limitations: Requires patience and proper technique to avoid making the dent worse.
When Professional Repair is the Best Option
Not every dent can (or should) be fixed at home. If you notice the following issues, it’s time to call a professional auto body repair shop.
1. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a specialized technique where a professional uses tools to gently massage the dent out from behind the panel.
- Best for: Dents with no paint damage.
- Pros: Preserves factory paint, fast, and affordable.
- Cons: Not effective for large or deep dents.
2. Traditional Auto Body Repair
If the dent is deep, has sharp creases, or includes paint damage, traditional bodywork is needed.
The process includes:
- Sanding the damaged area.
- Applying body filler.
- Repainting and blending the new paint with the existing color.
- Best for: Deep dents, cracked paint, and body line damage.
- Pros: Restores your car to like-new condition.
- Cons: More expensive and time-consuming.
Preventing Future Dings and Dents
Even in a busy city like Los Angeles, there are ways to reduce the risk of dents.
- Park Smart – Choose end spots or park further away to avoid door dings.
- Use Door Edge Guards – These rubber protectors absorb impacts and prevent door dings.
- Apply a Ceramic Coating – Adds a layer of protection to your car’s exterior.
- Wash & Wax Regularly – Dirt and debris can cause minor scratches that lead to rust.
Conclusion: Getting Car Dings and Dents Out of Your Car
Getting a ding out of your car doesn’t always require an expensive trip to the body shop. With the right DIY methods, you can fix many small dents at home. However, for deep dents, sharp creases, or paint damage, professional repair is your best bet.
By taking preventative steps, you can keep your car looking its best and avoid future dents and dings. And if you ever need expert help, don’t hesitate to visit a Network Auto Body repair shop location near you.
