Can Hot Water Really Fix Dents?

Can Hot Water Really Fix Dents?

When it comes to fixing dents in your vehicle, there are a lot of DIY methods that are touted as quick and easy solutions. One such method is using hot water to try and pop the dent back into place. However, despite its popularity, hot water is not an effective way to remove dents from your vehicle.

So, why exactly is hot water not a viable option for dent removal? Let’s explore the reasons.

First and foremost, hot water simply doesn’t have enough force to pop a dent back into place. When a dent occurs, it changes the shape of the metal on your vehicle. The metal has been bent or pushed in, and simply applying hot water to the area isn’t going to provide enough force to push it back out. In fact, using hot water can even make the problem worse by causing the metal to expand and contract, which can lead to further damage.

Another reason hot water isn’t effective is that it can actually damage your vehicle’s paint. When you pour hot water over the area with the dent, it can cause the paint to expand and contract, which can create a ripple effect around the dent. This can lead to cracking or chipping of the paint, which can be expensive to fix.

Lastly, using hot water can be dangerous. Pouring boiling water on your vehicle can be risky, especially if you’re not experienced with handling hot liquids. You could accidentally burn yourself or even damage other parts of your car if you’re not careful.

So, what’s the best way to fix a dent in your vehicle? Your best bet is to take it to a professional paintless dent repair or auto body shop. A skilled technician will have the tools and expertise necessary to properly assess the damage and fix it using the right techniques. This will not only ensure that the dent is properly removed, but it will also prevent any further damage to your vehicle’s paint or body.

In conclusion, hot water may seem like an easy fix for dents, but it simply doesn’t work. It doesn’t provide enough force to push the metal back into place, can damage your paint, and can even be dangerous. Instead, take your vehicle to a professional paintless dent repair shop for proper dent removal. Your car (and your wallet) will thank you in the long run.

8 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Sioux Falls Hail Damaged Car

8 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Sioux Falls Hail Damaged Car

Everybody loves a new car. The smooth handling, flawless finish, clean interior. But there is one fatal flaw with every factory fresh vehicle: The price. The average rate for a new car in America hovers somewhere around $35,000-36,000. For most this is a pretty hefty chunk of change so you’ll be scrambling for every deal you can find. Then suddenly, you see it! The car of your dreams in all of its dimpled glory. Everyone sells their car for a reason. Maybe they need the extra cash for a new ride or they’re just looking to clear up some garage space. Regardless, it’s important to remember that all sellers have one goal in mind. To make money. That being said, here are a few reasons their Sioux Falls hail damaged car is being sold at such a discounted price.

  • The Damage is Too Severe

Hail can take a real toll on your car, often damaging windows or paint in the process. Rain water can leak through these cracks and cause much more severe internal damage that isn’t easy to detect. If the paint or windows are chipped be very cautious and have a few mechanics give you a damage estimate.

  • The Repairs Outweigh the Value

If the damage is minor most sellers will simply repair it and take the small loss. But if the repairs require repainting and body work then they will likely weigh the difference and cut their losses. That’s why many sellers don’t disclose damage costs; or at least why you shouldn’t trust their estimates right away. Which leads me to my next point.

  • Dealers Don’t Need to Disclose Damage

Dealers don’t need to disclose what it will take to repair the car within certain thresholds. This is actually a grey area for several reasons. Getting the damage appraised by two or three body shops is the best way to understand the true cost. Almost all of them offer free estimates.

  • Internal and External Damage

Paint jobs and repairs are expensive and dealerships know this. Most sellers in Sioux Falls would rather pull a fast one on somebody than let their car go to a paint shop. Especially if the work requires the time of two separate technicians.

  • Make Sure The Discount is Reflective of the Damage

Many sellers will offer you what sounds like a steal. $2000 off a $35,000 car, who wouldn’t love that?! However, it’s hardly worth it if the hail damage drops your ride’s value by $5000. You’re essentially losing out on $3000!

  • Insurance Coverage and False Claims

There are a handful of drivers that buy hail damaged cars in Sioux Falls just to take advantage of their insurance. Most do this by purchasing a car with hail damage, waiting for another storm, and filing their claim then. Unless your insurance company inspects your vehicle upon purchase it is very easy to get away with this. Unfortunately this makes it difficult to get a discount as well.

car insurance

  • Vehicle Damage Reports

When you file a claim on your insurance that record is added to your vehicle damage report. This is sort of like a credit report that follows your car around no matter where it goes. If you file a claim on the damage right away it will be harder to get a discount on future damage. Luckily, Sioux Falls Dent Repair can fix hail damage without affecting your vehicle damage reports. Call us today at 605-595-4061 to learn more!

  • Consider the Diminished Value

It might seem obvious at first, but many drivers in Sioux Falls looking for a steep discount on a hail damaged car forget that, when they sell it, it is still a hail damaged car. Other buyers will want a discount just as much as you did so don’t expect a lot on the return value.

Remember, these tips are far from the only things you should watch for when buying a hail damaged car, but hopefully they are enough to get you started. As a sort of summary or basic guide here are a few highlights to keep in mind.

  1. Nobody is trying to give you a discount. Everyone wants to make money so they’re selling that car at a low price for a reason. Your goal should be to find all of those reasons.
  2. Make sure the numbers add up. Sellers can throw all of the bloated numbers and silver tongued estimates they want at you. But if you’re cautious and do all the math yourself you’ll be fine.
  3. Check with your insurance providers before buying. You don’t want to be caught in a storm a few months later just to find out that your damage report is hold you back from filing a claim.
Before You Buy a Hail Damaged Car | Brandon Hail Repair

Before You Buy a Hail Damaged Car | Brandon Hail Repair

Why Buy a Hail Damaged Car Anyway?

After driving your first clunker and adding up 200,000 miles it’s time to pick up a new car with a little less wear and tear. If you don’t care about a few dents and dings then hail damage can help you strike a huge deal on the car of your dreams. But there are a few important details to watch out for to prevent your new ride from becoming an expensive hunk of junk down the road. Call our Brandon hail repair team today at 605-595-4061 to learn more.

Watch Out For:

  • Cracked Paint – Modern cars use new urethane paints to protect its metal panels from the elements. This prevents rust and corrosion. If you are looking to buy a hail damaged car make sure none of the dents have chipped the paint. Afterward, check to see if the dings can be repaired with PDR. Our Brandon hail repair techs could save you a lot of money in the long run!
  • Broken Windows – Hail can easily crack or even shatter windshields. This can be very dangerous to the electronics in the car. If rain water leaks through the cracks it can damage the modules and center console. Make sure there is a warranty to protect the electrical system, even if the windshield was replaced.

Hail StonesHow To Keep Hail Damage From Biting Back Later

So you’ve settled on the car, weighed the pros and cons, and are pretty sure you’re getting a good deal. Next, go see the car for yourself if you haven’t yet. Many sellers skew their information in shady practices. Repair estimates, service history, and the true damage could be intentionally misrepresented to make a quick buck. Here are a few steps you can take to be extra cautious of your purchase:

  1. Get a quote from a Brandon hail repair team first. If the car is two grand and the repairs are twice that then you didn’t get a deal. You can get a free estimate by calling 605-595-4061.
  2. Make sure the car is still eligible for comprehensive insurance. This will protect it from further damage.
  3. If you want to finance the car make sure your lender will finance hail damage.