It doesn’t matter if you’re driving around Overland Park in a new Jeep Wrangler or you’ve got a new RAM 1500 that’s helping you tackle tough jobs, discovering new scratches, or dents on any vehicle will likely leave you with a sinking feeling. Fortunately, our experts at Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram are here to help you learn how to fix a small dent in a car and how to fix scratches on your car so that you can keep your vehicle in excellent condition.
When you’re in need of car dent or scratch repairs near Gardner, remember that you can always turn to the Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Body Shop! Otherwise, continue reading for some tips on how to fix a dent in a car and how to fix scratches on a car with our team below.
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DIY Car Scratch Repair Tips
You’ll want to fix the scratches on your car when you get the chance even though it may be unavoidable at times. That’s because if you don’t fix the scratches on your car, they can lead to more issues like rust if they’re deep enough. Luckily, you can learn how to fix the scratches on your car with our team so that you can keep your vehicle in tip-top shape as you take on the Springhill roads. Here’s what you can do to fix the scratches on your car easily:
- Locate your vehicle’s paint code, typically located inside your car’s driver-side door jamb. You will want to use paint that matches your car. The Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram parts department should be able to help if you’re having trouble identifying the right shade.
- Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including primer and sandpaper as necessary, as well as goggles and latex gloves.
- Work out of direct sunlight, away from excessive debris, and in an area with low humidity.
- Wash your vehicle, and carefully sand the area of the scratch if required. Smaller scratches may only need a rubbing compound instead of sandpaper.
- Apply primer in thin coats where bare metal or plastic is showing. Allow plenty of time to dry.
- Touch up the area of the scratch using the paint, applying it in thin layers and letting each layer dry.
- After approximately 72 hours, use a rubbing compound. Within a month, you can wax your car.
How else can you conduct car scratch repair that’s safe and effective? You also have the option of using a scratch or swirl removal product, which usually requires only one application for quick and easy paintwork finish improvement. These products are great for localized repair on single scratches.
Quick Car Scratch Repair Tips
The above methods for car scratch repair are among the best but there are also some quick temporary fixes you can utilize until you get to a professional body shop. Here are some quick car scratch repair tips you can try:
- Using candle wax to fill the scratch
- Using crazy glue to fill the scratch
- Using a dedicated vehicle glaze to fill in the scratch as well as other paint imperfections while adding shine
How do you know if you’ll be able to use one of these fixes? Generally, if you dig your fingernail into the scratch and it catches, the scratch is too deep to remedy on your own and will require touch-up paint or a professional fix.
How To Fix a Dent In a Car
Whether you plan on eventually selling your vehicle or you want it to look its best when you drive around Olathe, it’s not difficult to fix a dent in your car. Of course, knowing how to fix a small dent in a car can be done by most drivers but you’ll certainly want to leave the larger dents to the professionals. Let’s take a look at how to fix a small dent in a car:
- Dent Puller: If you want to fix a dent in your car, using a dent puller is one of the most effective ways to do it. However, this method should typically be used by professionals as you’ll have to drill a hole in your vehicle. The idea is to drill a hole somewhere near the dent so that you can insert a dent puller wire to slowly begin working out the dent.
- Hammer: Another way to fix a dent in your car is with a hammer. If possible, get access to a panel behind the dent. Place some kind of towel or padding and begin carefully hammering out the dent. Be careful as you don’t want to cause more damage to your vehicle.
- Plunger: If you want to know how to fix a dent in a car without getting too involved, look into a dent plunger. You can try using a standard bathroom plunger but there are specific automotive dent plungers made for this very job. You’ll want to use the plunger on the dent to slowly begin leveling the dent out.
Car Scratch & Dent Repairs Available at Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
You can always try our DIY recommendations to fix the dents and scratches on your car. However, we recommend you work with our body shop at Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram to really ensure that your vehicle stays in excellent condition. Our in-house detailing services, which are completed by our expert technicians, ensure that any imperfection will be thoroughly buffed away, leaving your car looking new. Have any questions about our process or the cost of car scratch repair? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team!
