A simple dent in the car can already be alarming, especially since the cost of repair has increased lately. But no matter how simple it is, a dent is something you should not DIY unless you’re a qualified auto body technician. While DIY car repairs look exciting, you can’t fully trust the videos you see on the internet. Moreover, every car model has unique requirements when it comes to body parts repair and replacement. The same applies to damages incurred on the glass, bumper, seats, and other crucial parts of your vehicle.
Instead of repairing the damage by yourself, it is better to trust a certified body shop to fix the issue for you. A simple issue could become a hefty repair problem when done wrong. So, in this article we have jotted down the most common repair hacks you shouldn’t do to your car.
DON’T TRY: Dry Ice Method to Repair Dents and Dings
The “Dry Ice Method” is a method of repairing dents and dings on a vehicle without the need for traditional paint and bodywork. However, we don’t recommend using this method for several reasons. Firstly, the dry ice is extremely cold and can cause damage to the paint and other materials on the vehicle. Secondly, it can only be used on small dents and dings, and will not work on larger or more severe damage. Thirdly, it is not a permanent solution and the dent or ding may reappear after some time. Lastly, it’s important to note that the dry ice method is not approved by major car manufacturers and car insurance providers, which means that any repairs made with this method will not be covered by warranty. If you want to repair a minor dent and you’re confident you can do it, try to use traditional paint and body works. These are more reliable, long-lasting, and approved by manufacturers.
DON’T TRY: a Plunger to Pull Out a Dent
You’ve probably seen cool videos on YouTube on how DIYers use plungers to easily fix dents. But again, we don’t recommend this method. Plungers are not designed for this purpose and can cause more damage to the surface of the vehicle. Moreover, the suction power of a plunger is not strong enough to effectively pull out a dent. If the dent is too big for the plunger, this method can leave marks on the paint and can cause the paint to peel or crack. That is why, the plunger method is not approved by major car manufacturers and car insurance providers, which means that any repairs made with this method will not be covered by warranty. To repair a dent, you must use professional tools and techniques to repair a car, such as paintless dent repair or traditional paint and bodywork.
DON’T TRY: Troubleshooting Electronic Problems
Unless you’re an ASE master technician, don’t touch any digital features on your car. Features like your car’s air and fuel ratios, shift points, and redline limiters should only be trusted by certified car technicians. Trying to fix computer-controlled components on your car on your own can be risky and may lead to more problems. Cars today have complex computer systems that control various functions such as engine performance, transmission, and safety systems. Attempting to fix these systems without proper training and equipment can lead to costly damage. Moreover, most cars have warranties, and tampering with the computer systems may void the warranty. It is recommended to seek professional help from a qualified car repair technician or dealership to diagnose and repair any issues with the computer systems in your car.
DON’T TRY: to Fix the Fuel System with Your Garage Tools
The fuel pump is a highly sensitive and precise part of your car. You don’t want to play with it unless you have experience. The fuel system is a complex system that includes the gas tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, injectors, and fuel filter.
Attempting to fix these systems without proper training and equipment can lead to serious accidents such as fire, explosion, or even injury. Also, some of the components of the fuel system are under high pressure, which can cause serious damage if handled incorrectly.
Relying on professional car repair services would be a smarter solution considering their tools and expertise to properly diagnose and repair any problems with the fuel system. It also ensures that your car is safe and running correctly.
DON’T TRY: Replacing the Radiator without Draining the System
The radiator is a vital component of your car’s cooling system, which is why you don’t want to mess with it. Just because it looks very easy on YouTube tutorials doesn’t mean you can apply the same DIY method to your car. Radiator replacement for your car can be a tricky and dangerous task. The radiator is a complex component that is responsible for regulating the temperature of your car’s engine, and it’s connected to other systems such as the cooling system, hoses, and transmission. Attempting to replace the radiator without proper training and equipment can lead to serious damage to the engine and other systems, as well as leaks which can cause serious accidents such as fire, explosion, or even injury. Moreover, radiator replacement is a technical task that requires the use of specialized tools and equipment, which most people do not have access to.
DON’T TRY: Using a Hairdryer to Fix Body Damage
Many videos will show you that a hairdryer could be an effective tool for fixing a dent in your car. But this is just a myth. First of all, the heat generated by a hairdryer may not be sufficient to effectively pull out a dent and can cause the paint to warp or crack. Secondly, hairdryers are not designed for this purpose and can cause damage to the paint and other materials on the vehicle.
What you believe is a simple hack could turn out to be a great disaster for your car. Never attempt to DIY car dent repairs or spare parts replacement, especially if you’re not sure how to do it. Take note, watching YouTube tutorials is not enough. Certified auto technicians have spent many years studying different car models and various effective solutions for a particular car issue. That alone cannot be learned in just a few minutes of watching videos on the internet. If you want to save money for car repair, the best route is to call a professional repair company. Qualified auto body technicians have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure that the repairs are done correctly and efficiently, and will be able to advise you on the best course of action to take.
Related article: How to Find a High-Quality Auto Body Shop.
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