Thinking you Can Just “Fix it Later”? Think Again!
Has this ever happened to you?
You’re walking back to your parked car when you notice a dent in the door or fender panel. Aaargh!!! Your first reaction is to feel dismayed (also annoyed), but after a minute or two, you calm down. After all, it’s just a minor dent – there’s no panic to get it fixed… right?
Wrong.
As harmless as they may seem, even small dents can have a ripple effect on the stability and performance of your car. In this blog, we’ll explain why what appears to be a harmless surface defect can have a much more serious impact on your vehicle than you might expect.
How Dents Can Cause Trouble Beneath the Surface
The majority of cars today are built with lightweight metals and materials. The use and placement of these is carefully designed so that the force of an impact is evenly distributed, and even a small dent can affect this distribution. It may not be noticeable right away, but over time, ongoing jolts, temperature changes, and even the normal vibration of the car can cause a ripple effect that weakens structural integrity.
The transfer of stress to materials and components that aren’t equipped for it can cause warping, cracking, and weakening. Eventually, panels can become misaligned, compromising the vehicle’s overall balance. Such effects can make your car even more susceptible to damage if it’s involved in another collision.
Long story short, what would have been a quick and less expensive repair at the outset can end up costing you more … more time, more money, and more frustration.
An Open Invitation to Rust
When your car gets a dent, the paint overtop takes the brunt of the damage. Even if you can’t see a chip, scratch, or hairline crack, chances are the paint has been stretched, and it will no longer function as a protective barrier to whatever lies beneath. Car washes, rain, snow, salt and even humidity make it possible for moisture to settle into even the smallest imperfections.
I don’t think I need to tell you that, from that point on, rust will form and likely spread, eating away at layers of paint and, in time, entire panels. When you finally bring your car in, you could be dealing with greater surface damage (requiring more paint) and extra labor for metal replacement and/or structural repairs.
Again, why risk preventable damage like this, when all it takes is a quick trip to a trusted, reputable body shop (hint: Mitek) to stop the process in its tracks before things gets worse.
Even a Minor Dent Can Impact Safety
Cars today rely on a variety of systems, sensors, and cameras to help keep you and your passengers safe. These delicate pieces of equipment are carefully positioned to be protected by body panels and bumpers. A dent in the wrong place can easily bump them out of position, and even a small shift can have a big impact on their performance and accuracy.
The subtle misalignment may not be drastic enough to trigger a warning light, so you may not even be aware that anything’s amiss. However, the safety features supported by these sensors and systems will no longer be performing as they’ve been designed to, potentially resulting in:
- Reduced accuracy of cameras and radar units
- Forward collision systems that miscalculate distance or speed
- Delayed or false alerts from lane assist features and parking sensors
It’s not just the sensors/systems that can be damaged – it’s also the mounts and wiring that keep them in place and provide them with power. A good autobody technician will be able to assess and identify these subtle forms of damage, but why go down that road if you don’t have to? By putting off that dent repair, you are taking unnecessary risks with your safety, which can cost you dearly in the long run.
Fix it Now for Peace of Mind
I hope we’ve made it clear how that “harmless” little dent can cause issues far beyond the surface, impacting performance, safety, and future value. Of course, every dent is different, and we always recommend bringing your car in so we can take a look. In no time at all, we can let you know for certain if the damage is just on the surface or something more serious.
Just don’t procrastinate. A dent that’s seen to promptly allows your autobody technician to use less invasive repair methods and preserve more original materials. It means faster, more straightforward repairs for us, and a smaller bill for you. Sounds like a win-win to me.