If a car rear ends you, you may find yourself with a dented bumper. When your bumper is dented, a collision repair shop can repair the dent, helping to bring your car back to its pre-accident collision. A collision repair shop may use three different techniques to fix a dented bumper, depending on the size of the dent and the condition of your bumper. Here are the three techniques that are used to fix a dented bumper. 

Pulling Out the Dent

When you have a dent in your car's bumper, one of the techniques that an auto body repair shop may use to fix it is to pull out the dent. A special tool is used that creates suction on your bumper. As the tool sucks on the dent, a technician pulls on the tool, hopefully pulling the dent out. This technique is the preferred method for removing dents, as it does not require the bumper to be removed, is fast and does not damage the paint of the car. 

Pounding Out the Dent

Not every dent can be pulled out. Some dents are too large to be pulled and others are stubborn and won't budge. If a dent cannot be pulled out, the next method that a repair shop will use to fix a dented bumper is to pound out the dent. The bumper is removed and a rubber mallet is used to hit the dent from the backside of the bumper and smooth it out. 

Filling In the Dent

If a dent cannot be pulled out or pounded out, the last technique a collision repair shop will use to fix the dent is to fill it in. The dent can be filled in with a putty-like material that hardens when dried. It can then be smoothed out to make it fit in perfectly with the bumper. The bumper will then need to be painted to ensure the repair is not noticeable. 

Unfortunately, not every dent can be repaired. If the damage is severe, your bumper may need to be replaced, rather than repaired. If you have a dent on your bumper, bring your car to Minnetonka Collision in Plymouth, Minneapolis. We offer collision repair services, including storm damage repair, dent removal, bumper and fender repair and color matching painting services. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have your car fixed.