Professional mechanics and auto body technicians use various techniques to fix dents. These include:
Paintless Dent Repair: The backside of the dent is accessed using specialized tools and gently massaged and reshaped until the metal is back to its original form.
Traditional Bodywork: Technicians sand, repair, prime, and paint the dented area to restore its original condition.
Dent Pulling: For shallow dents, a dent puller, slide hammer, or suction cup may be used to help pull the dent out from the outside of the panel.
Heating and Cooling Methods: Techniques involving heating and cooling may be used to help restore the metal to its original shape and size.
Body Hammer and Dolly: A dolly is placed behind the dent to provide support, while the hammer is used to gently reshape the metal.
Panel Replacement: If the dent is too severe or the damage is extensive, the affected panel may need to be replaced entirely. The mechanic or technician will remove the damaged panel, install a new one, and paint the new panel to match the current paint job.
A professional body shop will evaluate the damage to your vehicle and find the best solution for dent repair. In addition to experience and training, technicians and mechanics have access to tools that the average consumer does not. Professional dent repair generally leads to better results than DIY efforts.