How to Fix a Dent in a Car

Mechanic Examining Scratch

 

Small dents and scratches are bound to happen in High Point, and while some drivers are unbothered by them, others will want to remove them as soon as they spot them. If you’re looking to learn how to fix a dent in a car or how to fix scratches on a car, you’re in luck! Terry Labonte Chevrolet has an in-depth guide below, including everything from temporary fixes until you can visit a detailing center to trusted risk-free methods that can take care of the issue for good. Read on to find out how to restore your car to its former glory with our service team.

Fix Scratches On Your Car: 5 Different Methods

Depending on the severity of the scratch, you’ll have several options to remedy it. If you’re just looking for a temporary fix that will cover the scratch until you can get to a detailing shop, the first two methods below should suffice. Beyond that, we’ve also provided safe ways to fix scratches on a car without causing further damage:

  • Candle Wax: This is one of the temporary “fixes” we discussed. By rubbing a little bit of candle wax over the scratch, you can seal it to prevent further paint damage until a professional can get a look at it.
  • Super Glue: This is another temporary fix that will do in a pinch, but won’t hold up forever. You can seal the scratch and help it blend into your vehicle until you’re able to visit your preferred car detailer.
  • Paint Polish or Rubbing Compound: For the experienced DIYer, this is a good method to fix the scratch for good. Start with a light polish and a less abrasive foam pad, and see how far you get. If the scratch is still visible, work your way up to higher-grit polishes or compounds. If this still doesn’t remove the scratch completely, only then do we recommend trying the next method: wet sandpaper.
  • Wet Sandpaper: For stubborn shallow scratches that are impermeable to paint polish or rubbing compound alone, you can always resort to wet sandpaper. Clean the area where the scratch is, and rub over it with 2000-grit wet sandpaper. Once the scratch is almost invisible, apply a rubbing compound followed up by finer and finer polishes, then add protection with a wax or paint sealant.
  • Touch-Up Paint: If you aren’t hoping to achieve perfectly blended scratch removal, you can always opt for touch-up paint to seal in the scratch and match the cover-up to the rest of your car. Our parts specialists should be able to help you track down an OEM paint pen for your vehicle’s color.

How to Fix a Small Dent in a Car

Need to fix a dent in your car? Try these trusted methods:

  • Plunger: You can get a car dent plunger if you like, but even a plunger meant for the bathroom will do the trick and it’s easy to find at a convenience store. Use the plunger to gently pull out the dent, noting that it might take a few attempts to get it completely out.
  • Hammer or Mallet: If you’re able to reach around to the other side of the dent, a hammer or mallet can help you knock it back into place from behind. We recommend covering the mallet or hammer head with a blanket or towel to protect your vehicle from further damage.
  • Dent Puller: This method is far more complicated for home use. It requires you to drill a hole in the dent and lace a wire through it so you can pull the dent back to surface level. Then, you will need to fill the hole, sand it, and paint it to match the rest of your car.

For Major Dents and Scratches, Visit Terry Labonte Chevrolet

It’s not always easy to fix a dent in a car or fix scratches on a car by yourself in Winston Salem or Kernersville. If you’re worried about causing further damage, contact us to see what our service center can do for you. We’re here to help with all things automotive! Curious about how to clean leather car seats? Learn more with Terry Labonte Chevrolet!

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*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #ZT8543. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. 0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 6.8%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #FS5951. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #ZDS8160. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **1.9% APR for 36 months. Monthly payment is $28.60 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 22%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery 8/31/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

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