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Car dent repair: what to know before you go

A dent can often be fixed without repainting, but it depends on how deep it is and whether the paint is broken. Here is what the usual options mean, so you know what to ask.

General guide in plain words. It is not a diagnosis and gives no prices: only a workshop that inspects your car can say what is wrong.

The usual ways to fix a dent

  1. Paintless dent repair

    For small, smooth dents where the paint is not cracked, a technician can push the metal back from behind or pull it out from the front. The original paint stays.

  2. Panel beating, filler and respray

    Deeper dents, creases or dents with broken paint are reshaped, filled and smoothed, then painted to match the rest of the car.

  3. Replacing the part

    A badly damaged bumper, fender or door may be cheaper or better to replace than to repair. Ask the workshop to explain why.

  4. Scratches on top of the dent

    Light scratches may polish out. Scratches through the clear coat or paint need touch-up or a respray of that panel.

  5. Hidden damage behind the panel

    After a knock, sensors, brackets or lights behind the bumper can be damaged too. Ask for a check behind the panel.

What to tell the workshop

Do not wait if: a light, sensor or door no longer works after the knock, a panel is loose, or there are sharp edges. Get it checked before driving far.

Workshops customers mention for this

Matched from what customers mention on Google Maps, in our own words. This is not an endorsement, and a workshop has to inspect the car to confirm any cause.

Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2

Bedok Industrial Park E

Bukit Batok Crescent (WCEGA Plaza)

Bukit Merah Lane 3

Kaki Bukit Industrial Estate

5 more in Kaki Bukit Industrial Estate

Paya Ubi Industrial Park

Tampines Industrial Park A

Ubi Road 1

Woodlands Avenue 10 (Woodlands Industrial Xchange)

Woodlands Avenue 12 (Polaris@Woodlands)

Yishun Industrial Park A

Yishun Industrial Street 1

Workshops whose own website lists this

From each workshop's own website, as listed on its Google Maps profile. Ask the workshop to confirm it can help with your car.

More: Spray painting

Questions

Can I get a quote from a photo?

Many workshops will give a rough idea from a WhatsApp photo, but the final quote usually needs them to see the car.

Should I claim insurance for a small dent?

It depends on your policy, excess and no-claim discount. Check your policy and ask your insurer before you decide, and check how soon you must report an accident to them.

Does paintless dent repair work on every dent?

No. It suits small, smooth dents with unbroken paint. Sharp creases, edges and damaged paint usually need panel work.

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