Even the most cautious driver will probably have to deal with dents, scratches, or other damage to their vehicle at some point. Depending on the size and type of damage, auto body repairs can be expensive. Fortunately, you can often repair minor damage yourself if you have the tools and know-how. Here are some simple DIY repair instructions that you can use to repair vehicle scratches and dents on your own.
Paint Touch-Ups
Many auto supply stores sell touch-up paint bottles that can be used to repair small scratches on your vehicle. When choosing your touch-up paint, it's important to make sure that the color matches your vehicle's existing paint exactly. Even the slightest shade difference can cause the former scratch to stand out, defeating the purpose of repairing it in the first place.
To find matching paint for your vehicle, you will need to locate your vehicle's paint code. The paint code can be found on a label in your car's door jamb or glove box, or sometimes under the hood or trunk lid.
After you have found the right paint color for your car, you can repair the scratch by sanding the area with 220-grit sandpaper, washing it with soap and water, applying a small amount of primer with a small painting brush, and using the touch-up paint applicator to fill the scratch evenly.
Dent Filling
While large dents usually require professional service to repair, you can fix dents that are roughly 4 to 5 inches in diameter and smaller with auto body filler. Body filler is made from plastic resin that is sold in two separate components: the base filler, and a hardening agent. You will need to mix the components on a clean surface before applying. The mixture will harden quickly, so you should fill the dent within 5 minutes after mixing.
To start this repair, use 150-grit sandpaper to sand the dent down to the bare metal. Then use a plastic spreading tool to apply the mixed filler until it is flush with the metal around the dent. If there are still noticeable dips in the surface of the filler after it has hardened for 30 minutes, you may need to sand the filler and apply a layer of spot putty to smooth the surface. After the dent has been filled, it is ready to be primed and painted by a professional.
With these simple steps, you can perform quick and affordable DIY repairs for small auto scratches and dents. For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from http://wasatchautobody.com.
Share14 December 2015
When you live in the coldest parts of the United States, you need to learn how to adapt your car to the prevailing weather conditions. Winter tires will improve traction, and can significantly lower the risk of a dangerous accident. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers don’t really understand how to choose the right winter tires, but, with fifteen years as a skilled mechanic, I hope I can use this blog to give you all the information you need. Whatever car you choose to drive, I will help you winterize your vehicle effectively, and I will also tell you about some of the problems that unsuspecting drivers face in the depths of winter. I hope you find the content interesting and informative!
