We’ve all been there: you walk out to your car only to discover a new scratch or dent that definitely wasn’t there before. It’s frustrating, it’s annoying, and it’s a bummer. Dealing with car scratches and car dents can be a headache, but don’t worry: there are things you can do to fix the damage and get your car looking like new again, up to and including taking it to your trusted local Kia dealer.
Assess the Damage
First things first: how deep is the scratch? How big is the
dent? Is the paint damaged? These are all important questions to ask yourself
before you start any repairs. For minor scratches and dents, you might be able
to fix them yourself using a scratch removal kit or a plunger. But for deeper
damage or damage to the paint, you might need to take your car to a
professional.
Dealing With Car Scratches
Minor scratches can be frustrating to deal with, but
luckily, they can often be fixed with relative ease. If the scratch is shallow
and only affects the clear coat, you may be able to buff it out with a rubbing
compound and a microfiber cloth. If the scratch is a bit deeper, it may need to
be touched up with paint. This may be found at your local dealer.
Make sure to choose the correct color for your car and follow the instructions
on the paint can carefully. Typically, you’ll need to clean the affected area,
sand it down, and then apply several coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry
in between. Once the paint is dry, you can use a rubbing compound to blend it in
with the surrounding paint and make it look seamless. With a little bit of time
and effort, your car will look as good as new!
Dealing With Car Dents
While it’s never fun to see a dent on your vehicle, there
are some things you can do. If the dent is minor, you might be able to fix it
yourself using a vacuum cleaner. Simply place the vacuum over the dent and
gently pull or push until the dent pops out. This method works best on larger,
shallow dents. Another DIY method is using boiling water and a plunger. Pour
the hot water over the dent, place the plunger over the dent, and push and pull
until it pops out.
When To Contact Your Kia Dealer
If the scratch or dent is more severe and the DIY methods didn’t work, it’s time to take your car to a professional. Your Kia dealer has experienced technicians who can use specialized tools to carefully repair scratches and remove dents without damaging the paint job. They will assess the extent of the damage and provide an estimate for the cost of the repair. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to have the repair at least partially covered.
It’s important to address scratches and dents sooner rather than later, as they can lead to rust or other damage if left untreated, so, don’t hesitate to take your car to a professional. If you’ve got a scratch or dent that needs some professional attention, contact Crain Kia of Bentonville right away to schedule your repair.
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