How to Remove a Dent from a Vehicle's Bumper Cover

Last Updated: August 29, 2016

Do you have a dent in your bumper cover? Collision auto shops can be very expensive. Below are a couple methods that anyone with a dent in their plastic bumper can try that will help take the dent out of the bumper cover. By following these simple steps, you can save money, and get your bumper cover back to normal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Leaving the Bumper Cover On

1
Determine if you can use this method. This will only work if your car allows you to get underneath it and access the dented area of the cover from the underside. If not, use the other method.
2
Turn on your heater blower. start to heat around the area of dent in circular motion.
3
Lay on the ground under the area where the dent is and have the heater blower ready to use. Heat the area of the dent from underneath the bumper cover. Heat around the dent in circular motion about 3-5 minutes.
4
Take an object or stick and push out the dent from behind the bumper cover. If you're wearing gloves, you may be able to push the dent out with your hand. Take note that some force is needed to completely push the dent out.
5
Continue until the dent pops out.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Removing the Bumper Cover

1
Open the trunk and remove tail lights. There will be screws and snaps that must be removed. Remove the screws behind the tail light inside your trunk. There will also be screws and snaps on top of the bumper cover (two underneath the tail light).
2
Remove the screws from under panel skirt attached to the bumper cover (if necessary). You'll need a screwdriver to do this. On some cars, there may also be snaps.
3
Undo the screws that connect the bumper cover to the quarter panel.
4
Take the bumper cover off of the vehicle.
5
Turn on the heater blower. Heat in circular motion around the dent on the outside of the bumper cover, and then heat around the dent on the back of the bumper cover. Do about 3-5 minutes on each side.
6
While the bumper cover is heated, take a long object, stick or your gloved hands, and start to push the dent out.
7
After the dent is out, put the bumper cover back on vehicle. Make sure you replace all the screws you removed.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I replace a broken car bumper?

Community Answer

There are many styles of bumpers for the many brands and makes of vehicles on the market. This question can't be answered without specifics, like your car's make and model. You might try googling your specific model for instructions, or checking YouTube for tutorials.
Question

How do I replace bumper of 2003 Toyota Corolla, RunX shape?

JMila

Community Answer

You have to search online or visit aftermarket car bumper stores to check what front bumper replacement options are available. Design experts in the industry should be able to guide you well.

Warnings

When heating the area of the dent, take caution while pushing the dent out. It'll be hot, and you can even make a hole in the bumper cover by mistake. Be gentle.

Thanks!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0