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How can I fix a dent in my fender?

I accidentally backed into a pole on my way out of a parking lot yesterday, and now my fender has a noticeable dent. I’d like to repair the dent but would prefer to avoid taking my car to get it fixed if I can fix it myself. How do you fix a fender dent?

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Kara Vanderbeek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear about your
collision
. Luckily, there are a few methods of repairing a dent that you can try.
Do you have a flat sink plunger or cell phone windshield mount? Great! Depending on the size of the dent, these tools can be used to pop the dent back out.
First, clean the impacted area, squish the suction cup into the dent, and then pull straight out. This method works best on shallow dents.
Hot water is another effective method of softening dented plastic. Simply boil a pot of water, pour it over the dent, and push it out from behind the bumper cover. While this may not result in a perfect appearance, it can be effective. A hair dryer can also be used for this method. For a more complex dent, you can try building the dent back to its original contour with body filler. For this method, you’ll need wet-dry sandpaper, cutting compound polish and paint. While this can be very effective, it is the most time-consuming and requires more patience than other methods. If you’ve tried your hand at repairing the dent but proved to be unsuccessful, you can always consult your local collision center for a professional opinion and approach. Protect your car from future collisions with the #1 rated insurance app
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