Car owners know that hail damage is one of those things that they do not hope for their vehicles to encounter. Your car is happily parked, and then, all of a sudden, a hailstorm strikes and bashes your car with small balls of ice.
Those small scratches can be a big deal, and if, before the storm, your car was almost like new, then getting those small dents is a big blow.
The good news is that hail dents can be repaired, and your car’s outer look can be returned to normal.
In this blog post, you will learn how to properly and quickly perform hail dent removal on your car.
Getting to Know About Hail Damage
In order to discuss the solutions, it is necessary to define what hail is and the type of damage it does.
Hailstones can range in size from small pebbles to golf balls, and the damage they do to your car will depend on the size and velocity of the hailstones.
Hail dents may be small or large; some of them can penetrate through the paint, which increases the chances of rust formation on the surface of your car.
The first thing that needs to be done is to wait for the storm to subside and then evaluate the situation.
Go around your car and assess the size and location of the dents and also check whether the paint has been scratched.
This will help you to have an estimate of the amount of work that will be done. Once you have an estimate, then you can choose what type of collision repair services you will need to fix the dents on your vehicle.
Can Hail Dents Be Repaired Without Professional Help?
Yes, it is possible to repair hail dents on your own, especially if the dents are small and have not affected the paintwork on the car.
Small hail damages may be fixed by the car owner without help from a professional service provider, and this can be done using simple tools.
However, one should understand that not all hail dents are possible to remove at home without professional help.
The deeper or complicated ones that are located in tight corners should be addressed by a professional so that they do not worsen the situation of your car.
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
When it comes to fixing hail damage, you have two primary options: whether to complete the project themselves, referred to as do-it-yourself (DIY) or to hire a contractor.
DIY
If the dents are minor and on the surface, here are some home remedies that you can use if you do not want to hire a professional.
However, DIY methods are somehow complicated, and there is always a possibility of worsening the situation if not well handled.
Professional Help
If the situation is more severe or complicated, it is recommended to seek help from a specialist.
The advantage of an experienced technician is that he can often bring your car back to its previous state without anyone noticing the damages.
The drawback of using this method is that it may cost between a few hundred dollars and several thousand, depending on the extent of the damage.
DIY Techniques to Repair Hail Damages on Your Vehicle
- Hot and Cold Method
Another relatively easy DIY method for hail dent repair entails using heat and cold. The first step involves using a hairdryer or heat gun to warm up the dented section of the car’s body to make the metal expand.
After heating the surface of the metal, apply cold as soon as possible, for example, an ice pack or compressed air that makes the metal shrink. This sudden temperature change can sometimes pop the dent out.
- Dry Ice Application
Dry ice is another popular technique used to repair hail dents on cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
If the dent is not too deep, you can try using dry ice: Take a piece of dry ice, and gently rub it over the dent, as the surface cools, the dent should ‘pop’ back into shape.
This works best for shallow dents, and for deeper dents, the glue may need to be reapplied several times, or the dent needs to be pulled out by a professional.
- Hairdryer or Heat Gun
If you do not have dry ice, a hairdryer or a heat gun can also be used and will yield good results as well.
If you are able to heat the surrounding area of the dent, then you can cause the metal surface to expand and the dent could potentially pop out on its own.
Ensure that you do not overheat the area since this may damage the paintwork on your car.
When to Call a Professional?
Even though people may choose to repair their cars on their own, especially for minor issues, there are times when it is advisable to seek the services of a mechanic.
If you have a severe hail-damaged car or if the dents are too large or in areas that cannot be reached easily, then it is better to let a professional do it.
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
This is a very efficient method that many professionals apply. Paintless dent removal is a technique that employs the use of tools to pull and push the dent from the back to level it and bring it back to its original shape without having to repaint the panel.
It is relatively affordable for moderate hail damages and may be covered by insurance.
- Traditional Dent Repair
In situations where the paint has been scratched off, or the dent is exceedingly deep, conventional dent repair may be required. This process entails applying body filler on the dent, followed by sanding and repainting of the particular section of the car. This is a more lengthy and costly process, but it ensures perfect performance for the final product.
How to Judge the Quality of Professional Work?
Surface Smoothness
Feel the area that was repaired with your hand. It should be flat and slightly slippery, without any lumps, crests, humps, or any other kind of irregularities.
If the repair is done well, then it will be difficult to know where the dent was initially made.
Color Match
If the repair involves painting, make sure that the new paint job looks perfect, just like the rest of your car.
The color should match perfectly and one should not be able to tell where the two ends and the other begins.
Finally, step back and compare the repaired area to other areas of the car in different lighting conditions, such as under sunlight and shaded areas.
Panel Alignment
If there was significant hail damage and some panels had to be removed or adjusted, then double check that all is well aligned.
Panel spacings should be equal, and doors, hoods, or trunks should open and shut perfectly.
Keep Your Car Looking Its Best
Hail damage can feel frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right tools and techniques, you can remove hail dents and restore your car’s appearance.
Whether you choose to go the DIY route or hire a professional, addressing the damage promptly is key to maintaining your car’s value and protecting it from further harm.
If you are looking for the best services in your area to fix hailstorm damages, don’t worry because Eric’s Car Care has your back, contact us today, and we will get your car fixed
