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How do I fix a dent in my car myself?
See how common household items can help save money on repairs
A VISIT to the garage to repair a dent on your car will more often than not cause a bigger dent in your pocket.
But you could always give our top five genius hacks for repairing dents yourself a go before forking out a fortune.
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Tip 1: How to fix a dent in your car with boiling water
If that sounds too good to be true, there are amazing videos of car owners ridding their cars of a dent by pouring scalding water over the damaged area.
Once the dented portion of the car is nice and warmed up, the dent can be gently popped out by pushing from the other side.
And while hot water can obviously work wonders, many people insist on using cold water on the previously damaged area after it has returned to the original shape to help cool it down and set.
This method works better on newer cars made of modern materials.
Tip 2: How to fix a dent in your car with a vacuum cleaner
Depending on the strength of your hoover, the suction from your vacuum can help you get rid of a dent in your car.
To help improve the suction levels of the device, you can employ the help of a bucket — simply make a hole in the bottom of the bucket and tape it to the vacuum nozzle.
Place the contraption over the dent and switch on the cleaning device.
If the dent is shallow enough, it should come out relatively easily.
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Tip 3: How to fix a car dent using a plunger
Adopting a similar theory to the vacuum cleaner method, there is a way to remove a car dent with a toilet plunger.
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This technique is most effective if the dent is small to medium in size.
Simply splash some water over the area and place the plunger over the top.
As you start to push and pull the device, the dent should begin to pop out.
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Tip 4: How to fix a dent using dry ice
Granted, dry ice isn't exactly a household item, but it can be an effective way of removing a car dent.
It is important to wear protective gloves as a safety precaution.
Hold a piece of dry ice over the dent and start rubbing it in a circular motion.
You should then hear the dented area pop back into place.
How to fix a dent in your car using just boiling water
Tip 5: How to use a hairdryer to remove a car dent
This method works particularly well on plastic surfaces, like car bumpers.
Using a hairdryer and a can of compressed air, you can straighten out any knocks and bumps to your car.
All you have to do is heat the affected area using the hairdryer.
When the surface is hot enough, replace the hairdryer with the compressed air, making sure the can is upside down.
Some people reckon nail paint works as treat when it comes to acting as a temporary scratch remover.
Simply pick a shade the same colour as your vehicle and paint over the dodgy area — permanent marker pen can also help.
Of course, these are just cheap touch-ups and will wear off after a short time, but they may see you through until your next pay packet.
Ten things YOU should know as a car owner
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
- When is your MOT due? Find out here
- When is your car tax due? Find out here
- Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
- How many units can you drink and drive?
- What do dashboard warning lights mean?
- Is it illegal to drive without road tax?
- Can you be fined for breaking the highway code?
- How to change the address on your driving licence
- What does MOT stand for?
- Is it illegal to park across someone's driveway?