If you’ve been in a car accident or even just obtained a single dent, there are several methods of auto repair used today depending on the type of damage that has occurred. Read further to explore the various options available for auto mechanics to repair dents and holes in a car.
Paintless Dent Removal
Paintless dent removal is a method of auto repair that can fix dents the size of a football. The type of car PDR can be used on is varied—generally 1990 models and later. Paintless dent removal is most effective when the paint has not been broken or cracked, the dent is not near the edge of the panel and the panel has not had previous body repair. The main appeal of PDR is that there is no worry of incorrect colour matching and the car actually maintains its original paint colour. This technique requires patience, as the dent must be slowly massaged into its original position. However, the process can usually be completed in one day, as there is no need for multiple coats of paint to dry.
Body Filler
Sometimes auto body repairs don’t need to be complicated. Body filler is a product made of plastic resin, which makes it sandable on metal. If a car has a dent, it is not unusual for car owners to use a bit of body filler to seal the damage. The disadvantage to this method is that filler can scab off easily, making the repair not so permanent. Because of this, many auto mechanics today use more proper methods like hammering to repair a damaged car.
Hammer and Dolly
The hammer and dolly method is both effective and difficult, thus requires lots of practice and auto mechanic training in order to successfully pull off. A dolly is a flat and usually rectangular piece of metal which acts as an anvil for the hammer. With this dent repair method, the dent is sandwiched between the hammer and dolly to guide the metal back into shape.
Patching
Cars are not immune to the effects of the environment, so rot can become an issue for older vehicles. If you attend auto mechanic schools, you know that holes caused by rot will lead to a failed auto inspection. The proper method of repair is to weld new metal in place of the older rotting piece. Cutting out the old metal will stop the spread of rust, and welding will strengthen the metal. There are incorrect methods to repair rot which some have attempted with very temporary results. Some incorrect methods that mechanics have found car owners doing is applying body filler to, or sticking a cloth tape over the hole. Neither of these methods are as effective as welding because they will not stop the spread of the rust to the rest of the car’s body.
What auto repair methods have been performed on your car and were they effective?
