Door Dings Removal – Can You DIY Or Should You Seek Help?

Door dings are one of those small issues that can impact your car massively in a negative way. Most of the time, door dings removal is just a small fix away. Not knowing how to fix them leads more people to ignore the ding rather than try to fix it. Door dings removals can promptly increase the value of a car.

There are a ton of ways you could get a door ding. It happens to the most experienced drivers. Whether it be a runaway shopping cart when you are parked at the mall or you could hit another car while opening the door, it can happen the other way as well. Someone else can hit your parked car while you are not even on the scene.

There are a million more ways on how you could get a dent. Protecting your car from all of these at all times is impossible. If you ever owned a car, the chances that you would have had a dent on it are high.

Depending on the severity of the accident the method of door dings removal can change. As long as there is no significant damage, by employing a few simple hacks, you can get the job done. If it is a bit more serious you could use a gadget available on the market. If you think that you cannot fix it the best option is to hand over the job to a professional.

Here lies everything you need to know about door ding removals.

• Door Ding vs Dent
• Types Of Dents
• When To Seek Professional Help?
• DIY Dent/Ding Fixes & Repairs
• Dent Repair Hacks
• Practices To Avoid Denting Your Doors
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ding vs Dent

Most people do not know the difference between a ding and a dent. They believe a ding and a dent are interchangeable words. They are not exactly interchangeable though. There is a slight difference between the two.

Ding

In general terms, a ding represents a small region of damage. This would not span more than half an inch in diameter. The events that lead to a ding usually have little to no effect on your car. When a ding occurs, it does not damage your exterior paint job. And normally, dings are not noticed easily. It takes a sharp look to notice a ding.

Dent

Unlike a ding, a dent is a more severe issue. To be classified as a dent, the area of damage should be larger than a ding (which might require you to know how to get dents out of car). Dents usually end up damaging the metal or the paint of your car. They attract more attention than a ding and are also unpleasant at the same time.

Now that you know what is the difference between a dent and a ding, you can use the correct wording to represent your damage. Even though these are two different things, they are commonly addressed as the same due to their similarity.

Types Of Dents

There are multiple types of dents. Some are more critical than others and they differ in damage and appearance. Even with the variation, there is not such a thing as a good dent, so if you get a dent, it is going to be frustrating. Here are some of the commonly known types of dents.

Door Dings Removal, Dent Types #1: Round Dents

The name describes itself, round dents are usually round or circular in appearance. Usually, this happens when your neighbor’s kid throws a ball at your car. Not limited to this though, any round object hitting your car could cause a round dent.

Round car dents can feature a point in the middle, making the dent appear like a shallow funnel. They can also be rounded with no shallow point in the middle. Think of a hemisphere in this case.

Round dents rarely ever cause paint damage. This makes paintless dent repair an option for fixing them an ideal option.

Door Dings Removal, Dent Types #2: Creased Dents

Creased dents are slightly more serious than round dents. It’s typically caused when a sharp object is dragged along the panel of a vehicle. These tend to be longer and are more likely to actually damage the metal in your vehicle.

One of the biggest concerns with this sort of dent is that these can grow over time.

Repairing creased dents is one of the hardest when it comes to door ding removals. However, due to modern automotive technological advancements, these kinds of dent issues can be solved.

Door Dings Removal, Dent Types #3: Sharp Dents

Sharp dents are seen on the body lines of the vehicle. These body lines that run alongside the vehicle are commonly known as swage. Since these points are extended slightly than the rest of the body, these lines are commonly dented upon impact. These lines are the first to come in contact if your car gets hit. It is not uncommon to see smaller dents beside sharp dents if you come across an accident.

Door Dings Removal, Dent Types #4: Hail Dents

Hail dents are a combination of round dents that occur due to hail storms. The upper surfaces of the vehicle are mostly affected by this. Most often, round dents are caused by hail that occurs on the hood, roof, and trunk of vehicles.

The severity of hail dents depends on the size of the hail and the speed of impact. These factors dictate the state your car is in after facing a hail storm. Most hail dents are shallow and can be fixed individually as round dents.

The hardest thing about repairing hail dents is the sheer volume. It is highly unlikely if you ever drive through or have your car parked during a hail storm, to come out with just a few dents.

Door Dings Removal, Dent Types #5: Car Dings

If the paint is damaged repairing car dings is fairly easy. They can be resolved with minimally invasive techniques if you know what to do. If you back into a pole or hit open your door hitting another car, dings are usually formed. Luckily, these are usually fairly affordable fixes, even with small amounts of paint damage. If you know the method you can fix it yourself.

When To Seek Professional Help Over Dents

This actually depends on when you think it is necessary. With dents and dings in most cases, you can fix them yourself. But if you think the task is a bit tough to handle, you might as well get a professional to do it.

This is especially true with hail dents or sharp dents. They are much harder to fix on your own. Do not let dents sit on your car for too long. A dent already in your car is much more exposed to risks associated with rusting.

Even though a reputable auto body shop might cost more for the repairs, you can be certain that an experienced professional can get the job done right the first time. With a proper job done with your car, you can stop stressing over the damage in the future.

Another scenario when professional help is necessary is when you see paint damage on your car. With the right guide, you can fix paint damage related to car dings. If you are not comfortable with the procedure, it is best to seek professional help. One small mishap could end up in a costlier fix.

Professional Repair Options

While PDR is the most popular and cost-effective method for repairing door dings and minor dents, there are other options available. Here are some alternative repair methods that you might consider:

• Body Filler: This is a more traditional method of repairing dents. It involves sanding the dented area, applying a layer of body filler, sanding again, and then repainting the area. This method is more labor-intensive and usually more expensive than PDR. However, it might be necessary for larger or more complex dents.
• Suction Cup Dent Puller: This is a DIY method that involves using a suction cup tool to pull out the dent. It is a relatively easy and inexpensive method, but it may not work for all dents, especially larger or deeper ones.
• Heat and Cool Method: This involves heating the dented area with a hairdryer or a heat gun and then quickly cooling it with compressed air or ice. The rapid temperature change can cause the metal to expand and contract, popping the dent out. This method is not recommended for larger dents or dents close to the edges of the panel.

Things To Look Out For

• Paint Damage: As mentioned earlier, if there is any paint damage in the dented area, PDR might not be the best option. You will likely have to repaint the area, which will add to the cost and time required for the repair.
• Location of the Dent: The location of the dent can significantly affect the repair process. If the dent is located near the edge of a panel or in a hard-to-reach area, it might be more challenging to repair using PDR.
• Depth of the Dent: The depth of the dent is another important factor to consider. Shallow dents are usually easier to repair using PDR. Deeper dents may require more traditional methods like body filler or even replacing the entire panel.
• Size of the Dent: The size of the dent will also affect the repair process. Small dents and door dings are usually straightforward to repair using PDR. Larger dents may require more effort and may not be suitable for PDR.

In conclusion, repairing door dings and minor dents is possible with some skill and patience. PDR is the most popular method for repairing these types of damages, but it may not be suitable for all situations. It’s essential to assess the damage carefully and choose the most appropriate repair method.

DIY Door Dings Removal Methods

Most of the dents that you do encounter can be fixed without professional help. Anything that belongs in the PDRs or the paintless dent removal category can be done without much hassle.

PDR is a skill learned through trial and error. Technicians gradually learn how to manipulate certain areas to get them removed. The exact way on how to manipulate the dents depends on the location and severity.

If you do decide to go through with the process yourself, there are a few things you have to understand. Door ding removal is not just a matter of popping the dent out and hoping everything goes well. It is a process that requires knowledge, skill, and a lot of patience. Even the smallest dents can take hours to remove.

Here are the steps to a door dings removal.

Door Dings Removal, Repair Step #1: Assessing The Damage

This is a key step in getting a dent removed. 9 out of 10 times a dent can be removed using PDR methods. You should know what is the other 10% of dents. The dents that you cannot perform a PDR procedure on.

One of those occasions is encountering deep dents. A large dent can be removed. But the same is not true if the dent goes deep. If the metal is bent too far inwards it is hard to get it back to the original state without damaging the paint, if the paint is damaged repainting will be required.

If the dent is situated more towards an edge, PDR might not be an option. This is because most PDRs require access to the backside of the dent. If the dent is situated on the edge of the body, you might not be able to access that area.

Another problematic scenario comes with creased dents. Performing a PDR on a creased dent is almost impossible. This is true especially if you are new to the field.

Paint issues might also be a red flag. If you do spot any paint damage, initially attempting a PDR is unnecessary because you are going to have to repaint the area anyway. Another dilemma associated with paints comes with older cars. Cars older than the 1990s usually have a poor-quality paint coat. Removing a dent without damaging the paint in this case is almost impossible.

Now that you know whether to proceed with the repair you can go to the next step.

Door Dings Removal, Repair Step #2: Prepare The Area

The next step is to prepare the area with the dent. Almost every repair using these methods requires that you access the backside of the dent. Before you start the dent removal you need to have access to a special set of tools to get the job done.

To access the back of the dent, you should identify the easiest possible path to take. For this, you might have to remove a few interior panels or even exterior components of the body. Learn and understand how to get these parts removed and fit them back in before you proceed.

Once you gain access to both the front and the back of the dent, now you are ready to start the repair.

Door Dings Removal, Repair Step #3: Door Dings Removal Process

This is a job that requires a lot of skill and patience. Before ordering the stuff for the repair, make sure to purchase an instruction manual as well. This will let you know how to position the equipment according to the dent you have. You should find the exact position needed to apply pressure before you go through with the procedure.

Before you place your equipment, make sure to have proper lighting on the dented area. The shadow cast on the dent will allow you to pinpoint where to place the equipment on the back of the dent.

After the tools are positioned behind the dent, it is advised to use special glue that can be applied to the front of the damaged area so that pressure can be applied with added care.

Finally, you slowly and methodically manipulate the outer edge of the dent until the area bends back to its ideal position as before. The dent will slowly reduce in size until it disappears.

Door Dings Removal, Repair Step #4: Finishing The Surface

After you have successfully removed the dent, there might be some minor imperfections on the surface. These could be small bumps or dips that remain. To finish the surface, you can use a tapping down tool to tap down any high spots. For any low spots that may have appeared during the repair process, a small amount of body filler can be applied.

Before you apply the body filler, make sure to properly sand the area with a fine-grit sandpaper. After the filler has dried, you can sand the area again to ensure a smooth finish. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly to remove any dust or debris before painting.

If you had to remove any paint from the area before starting the repair, now is the time to repaint. Make sure to carefully match the paint color and finish of the car. After painting, it is recommended to apply a clear coat to seal and protect the paint.

Door Dings Removal, Repair Step #5: Reassembling The Parts

After the surface is smooth and the paint has dried, you can start reassembling any parts that were removed. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions in the manual to ensure everything is put back in its proper place.

It’s essential to be cautious when reassembling the parts. Make sure not to force anything into place as it could lead to more damage. Once everything is back in place, you can give the area a final clean and polish.

Dent Fixing Hacks

Other than mimicking a professional repair with special equipment there are a few hacks that you can perform with everyday household objects. This might not be applicable for larger dent removal, but smaller door dings removal can be executed by employing some of the hacks. There is no guarantee as these depend on the severity of the dent.

Door Dings Removal, Hacks #1: Boiling Water

Up first is the boiling water hack. Obviously, it is dirt cheap and high success rate at the same time. It is fine to use on plastic shell cars as well. The probability of this working depends on the firmness of the plastic or metal. If the part is too firm, it is hard to pop a dent out.

Here the hot water is used to heat up the dent. Heat the water until it is bubbling hot. Splash some onto the dent and after it heats up, reach up behind it and pop it out. It is best to have reserve hot water since it rarely pops out on the first try. You better hustle to reach behind while the dent is still hot.

This is mainly useful for plastic parts. With firm plastic, it is hard to physically pop a dent out. The hot water would soften the plastic so you can pop it out.

Door Dings Removal, Hacks #2: Hairdryer

This is one of the quickest and easiest hacks to pull out a dent. This will only work if your dent is really tiny. This is ideal for door dings removal if done correctly.

As the topic suggests you need a hairdryer for this. Get your hairdryer, crank it up to the maximum heat, and use it to heat up the dent. This will cause the dented area to expand.

Now all you have to do is rapidly decrease the temperature. You can use ice, cold water, or an air duster. This change in temperature will cause the dent to compress. The cool air trailed by the hot will cause compression and the imprint will fly out.

This is more applicable to metal rather than plastic. A huge advantage of using this on door dings removal is that you do not have to remove the panel behind the door.

Door Dings Removal, Hacks #3: Dry Ice

Dry ice can do the trick as well if used accordingly. This is a really cheap product purchase. The problem is that it is a bit hard to find. If you do proceed with the method, you must have an insulated pair of gloves as you will be handling dry ice a lot.

The process is simple. Rub the dented area with dry ice regularly and eventually, the dent will disappear. The theory is that repeated compression should remove the dent with time.

Door Dings Removal, Hacks #4: Plunger

This works just the way you think it does, you pull the dent out using suction. If you are worried about sanitary issues you can use cup plungers as well. They are known to work just as well.

Using a wet sponge, and drench the entire area with water. Place the plunger over the dent and add pressure. If the dent is not large the dent should pop right out.

If it doesn’t pop out just keep doing it repeatedly and eventually it will disappear. You could get much better results if you heat the metal before you start plunging.

A repeated motion will usually result in your dent disappearing. This works best with large metal components such as doors or fenders if they are bent inwards. It could work on any type of metal but the chances that this works on plastics is slim.

You can try these methods if you want a quick fix. Keep in mind this will work mostly on small dents. Especially round dents. If you decide to give your car some additional care, it is best to take your car to a professional. This will guarantee your dent getting fixed. Even though you will be paying for your dent to be removed.

Practices To Protect Your Car From Denting

Now that you know how irritating dents can be, you might want some advice on how to protect your car from denting. There is no way to get 100% protection but there are some steps you can follow to reduce the chances that your car could attain a dent.

1. Park Far Away From Other Cars

It may be obvious, but try to park as far away from other cars as possible. No one else will care for your car as you do. Parking your car away in a spot far away might require walking an extra distance. It is a small price to pay for protection. Remember 50% of car dents are not the fault of the owner.

2. Open Your Door Slowly

You should be aware of your surroundings. You could easily hit another car or a gas pump when you open your door. Sometimes a high curb might appear out of nowhere. For these reasons, it is best to stay on the safe side and open your door slowly. This way even if you do hit an obstacle there will be no damage, to your car or the car you hit. 1 out of 3 car dents occurs because of opening doors rapidly and hitting an obstruction. This will definitely help you avoid door dings

3. Find A Safe Parking Spot

If you park your car under trees or at a place with any hazards above. If the tree contains fruits they could fall on your car and cause a dent. There is the possibility of a branch snapping to consider as well. Avoid taking risks if they aren’t necessary and find a safe parking spot.

4. Protect Your Car From Hail

Hail is one of the most common causes of dents and dings on a car. If you are parking in a space exposed to the elements, use a cover if hail is on the weather forecast. Hail can put dents in your car like the spots on a cheetah. So it is best to stay away from it as much as possible.

Fixing the dents caused by hail could cost anywhere from $50-500.

DIY Dent Removal: 10 Need-to-Know Facts

1. Dents and dings are common for cars, but professional repairs can be expensive.
2. In many cases, car owners can fix minor dents themselves using dent-removal tools.
3. Before attempting to repair the dent, it’s important to assess the damage and determine if it’s fixable with DIY methods.
4. Dent-removal kits, which use a bridge-type tool with suction cups, can be purchased for around $60 and are effective for most dents.
5. Larger dents may require additional DIY methods, such as using a plunger or boiling water to soften the plastic surface of the car.
6. It’s important to research and choose reliable dent-removal tools before making a purchase.
7. Removing dents is a multi-step process that requires patience and precision.
8. Pulling too hard or too fast on the metal can cause further damage to the car.
9. Not all dents can be perfectly repaired, and if the paint is scratched, it may require professional help.
10. If DIY attempts are unsuccessful, it’s still worth a try, and car owners can still turn to professional help if needed.

Door Dings Removal: In Conclusion…

Door dings and dents are unavoidable. You will come across one sooner or later. If you are confident and trust your skillset you can try to repair it yourself. If not, finding a professional to do it is not a bad idea. When your dent is small you could try to fix it yourself with an easy hack. Though you cannot avoid denting, you can reduce the probability of getting one with a set of practices.

Door Dings Removal: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some popular frequently asked questions (and their answers) about the door dings removal process…

How to Get Dent Out of Car

To get a dent out of a car, first, clean the dented area with soap and water. Then, use a plunger or a specialized dent puller tool to suction onto the dent and pull it out. If the dent is small, you can also try pouring hot water over the area and then pushing the dent out from the inside. For larger or more complex dents, it may be necessary to remove the interior panel of the door or bodywork and use a mallet or a specialized tool to push the dent out from the inside.

How Much to Fix Dent in Car

The cost to fix a dent in a car can vary widely depending on the size, location, and depth of the dent, as well as the make and model of the car. Smaller dents that do not require paint touch-ups can cost between $50 to $150 per dent. Larger dents, or those that require repainting, can cost between $150 to $500 or more. For a more accurate estimate, it is recommended to get a quote from a professional auto body repair shop.

How to Use Dent Puller

To use a dent puller, first, clean the dented area with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, attach the suction cup of the dent puller to the dented surface, making sure it is centered over the dent. Then, pull the handle of the dent puller towards you with steady force until the dent pops out. It may take several attempts to fully remove the dent. Once the dent is removed, clean the area again and apply a coat of wax to protect the paint.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Door

The cost to replace a car door can vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as whether you are replacing the door with a new, used, or aftermarket part. On average, the cost of a new car door, including installation, can range from $500 to $1500 or more. Used or aftermarket doors may be less expensive, but may not fit as well or have the same level of safety features as a new door.

How to Fix a Dented Bumper

To fix a dented bumper, first, remove the bumper from the car, if possible. Next, use a heat gun or a hairdryer to heat the dented area until it is soft and pliable. Then, use a mallet or a block of wood to gently push the dent out from the inside. If the dent is large or deep, it may be necessary to use a body filler to smooth out the surface. Once the dent is removed, sand the area, prime it, and then repaint the bumper.

How Much Is Dent Repair

The cost of dent repair can vary depending on the size, location, and depth of the dent, as well as the make and model of the car. Smaller dents that do not require paint touch-ups can cost between $50 to $150 per dent. Larger dents, or those that require repainting, can cost between $150 to $500 or more. For a more accurate estimate, it is recommended to get a quote from a professional auto body repair shop.

How to Fix Deep Scratch and Dent on Car

To fix a deep scratch and dent on a car, first, clean the area with soap and water. Next, use sandpaper to sand down the scratched and dented area until it is smooth. If the dent is deep, you may need to use a body filler to fill in the area. Once the area is smooth, apply a coat of primer and then repaint the surface. Finally, apply a coat of clear coat to protect the paint.

How to Pop Out a Dent in a Car

To pop out a dent in a car, first, clean the dented area with soap and water. Then, use a plunger or a specialized dent puller tool to suction onto the dent and pull it out. If the dent is small, you can also try pouring hot water over the area and then pushing the dent out from the inside. For larger or more complex dents, it may be necessary to remove the interior panel of the door or bodywork and use a mallet or a specialized tool to push the dent out from the inside.

Is It Worth Fixing Small Dent on Car

It is generally worth fixing a small dent on a car as it can affect the car’s resale value and appearance. Even small dents can lead to rust and further damage if left untreated. Additionally, fixing small dents can often be done relatively inexpensively and may even be covered by your insurance policy.

How to Fix Plastic Bumper Dent

To fix a plastic bumper dent, first, remove the bumper from the car, if possible. Next, use a heat gun or a hairdryer to heat the dented area until it is soft and pliable. Then, use a mallet or a block of wood to gently push the dent out from the inside. If the dent is large or deep, it may be necessary to use a body filler to smooth out the surface. Once the dent is removed, sand the area, prime it, and then repaint the bumper.

How to Fix Crease Dent in Car

To fix a crease dent in a car, first, clean the dented area with soap and water. Next, use a specialized crease dent puller tool or a slide hammer to pull the dent out. A crease dent puller has a flat surface that can be attached to the creased area, and a slide hammer can be used to pull the dent out. It may take several attempts to fully remove the dent. Once the dent is removed, clean the area again and apply a coat of wax to protect the paint.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car Door

The cost to paint a car door can vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the quality of the paint and the preparation work required. On average, the cost to paint a car door, including preparation, can range from $100 to $500 or more. For a more accurate estimate, it is recommended to get a quote from a professional auto body repair shop.

How to Do Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a technique used to remove dents without damaging the existing paint. To do paintless dent repair, first, clean the dented area with soap and water. Next, use a specialized PDR tool to gently push the dent out from the inside or pull it out from the outside. PDR tools are designed to reach behind the bodywork and apply gentle pressure to the dented area until it is restored to its original shape. It may take several attempts to fully remove the dent.

How to Get a Dent Out of a Car with Hot Water

To get a dent out of a car with hot water, first, clean the dented area with soap and water. Then, pour hot water over the dented area to soften the paint and make it more pliable. Next, use a plunger or a specialized dent puller tool to suction onto the dent and pull it out. Alternatively, you can try pushing the dent out from the inside. Once the dent is removed, pour cold water over the area to cool and harden the paint.

How to Get Dent Out of Car with Plunger

To get a dent out of a car with a plunger, first, clean the dented area with soap and water. Then, wet the plunger and the dented area with water. Next, place the plunger over the dent and push in and out several times to create suction. Finally, pull the plunger towards you with steady force until the dent pops out. It may take several attempts to fully remove the dent.