Car body damage can occur unexpectedly—whether from a parking lot incident, an unattended shopping cart, or an unanticipated hailstorm. Not every scratch or dent needs a professional fix, but it’s important to check the damage carefully before deciding what to do next. In this blog, we’ll go over the most common types of body damage, how to check dents and dings, and some simple fixes you can try at home.
Common Types of Auto Body Damage
Body damage comes in all shapes and sizes. Some are purely cosmetic, while others may affect your car’s performance or safety. Here are a few of the most common types:
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Dents and Dings: These small indentations are often caused by minor impacts, like doors opening too close in parking lots.
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Scratches: From key marks to brush contact, scratches range from surface-level to deep gouges through the paint and primer.
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Paint Transfer: Often seen after rubbing up against another vehicle or object, this looks like a colored streak or smudge.
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Cracked or Broken Bumpers: These are more serious and may require professional auto body damage repair.
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Rust or Corrosion: If left untreated, exposed metal areas can start to rust, compromising your vehicle’s frame over time.
How to Assess the Damage
Before jumping into a fix, take a few minutes to inspect the damage thoroughly. Ask yourself the following:
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Is the paint chipped or scratched? You can buff out minor scratches, but chipped paint might expose the metal underneath.
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Can you feel the dent with your hand? Gently run your hand over the surface to gauge the depth of the damage. Shallow dings are often easier to fix.
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Is the panel cracked or warped? A technician should inspect this, as it could indicate internal damage.
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Is there any rust? You need to treat rusted areas quickly to prevent them from spreading.
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Does the damage affect how the car drives or handles? If it does, forgo the DIY approach and consult a professional instead.
Easy At-Home Repairs
If the damage is minor, you might be able to fix car body damage yourself. Here are a few quick repairs you can try at home:
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Plunger Method for Dents: A clean toilet plunger can sometimes pop a dent out of a flat panel. Use warm water and apply gentle pressure.
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Hot Water for Plastic Panels: For plastic bumper dents, pouring hot (not boiling) water can make the material flexible enough to push the dent out from behind.
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Scratch Repair Kits: These are widely available and include compounds that fill surface-level scratches.
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Touch-Up Paint: You can order factory-matched paint to cover small chips and prevent rust.
While these methods can handle minor damage, larger dents or cracks may need professional help.
When to Seek Professional Auto Body Damage Repair
If the damage involves deep dents, broken parts, or exposed metal, it’s time to schedule auto body damage repair with a trusted shop. Professionals can use paintless dent repair, sanding, or panel replacement techniques to restore your car safely and correctly.