Fixes for car dents and scratches

Let's face it: you care a lot about your car. And your car's exterior is essentially its face, what people (including you) see when you approach. Scratches and dents are an aesthetic problem, and can lead to bigger problems down the road (literally). The good news is, it's not the end of the world; in a lot of cases there are easy ways to fix those problems.

If the body of your car is dented, you may be able to pull out the dent with a little suction. Look around your house and find anything with a suction cup attached — for example, a plunger. Place the cup directly over the dent and push it in straight so that the suction engages the metal. Then pull outward gently and firmly. If you're lucky, you'll hear the popping sound that happily tells you the dent is gone.

If your white car gets scratched, use typewriter correction fluid for a touch-up. If your car is another colour, try to find a correction fluid or nail polish colour to match and apply it as a temporary fix. Many dealerships have parts departments that sell small jars of touch-up paint that can closely match your vehicle.

You can often polish out small scratches in a car's finish with your dental hygiene staples. Squeeze a dollop of toothpaste onto an old toothbrush and work the paste into the scratch. Buff the area with a clean cloth.

If your car is old and painted with oxidized paint that's looking dull, try washing it with low-grit bathroom souring powder. Apply the cleanser, wet it with a light spray, and then rub gently with your car-washing mitt. (Test this first on a small area of the car body that isn't front and centre.) When you've finished, rinse the car well and wax it.

Don't fret at small dents or scratches on your car. These handy tips will help fix the problem and may soon have your auto looking as good as new.