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How to Fix a Metal or Plastic Bumper with Hot Water Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Does boiling water work on metal and plastic bumpers? 2 Will boiling water damage car paint? 3 Can all dents be removed from a car’s bumper? 4 How much does it cost to fix your car bumper? 5 Can I drive with a damaged bumper? + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Chad Zani
Last Updated: July 14, 2025 References
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This article was co-authored by Chad Zani. Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. This article has been viewed 87,675 times.
Is there anything more frustrating than a fender bender? Dents and dings in your bumper can really throw off your mood and the look of your car. But have no fear! You can actually remove minor dents without the help of a professional or fancy equipment. All you need is some boiling water and a little bit of elbow grease. To make the job easier, we’ve answered a few common questions about the process.
Steps
Question 1 of 5:
Does boiling water work on metal and plastic bumpers?
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1 Yes, it can help remove dents from both metal and plastic bumpers. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully pour the water over the surface of the dent to heat up the metal.[1]X Expert Source Chad ZaniAuto Detailing ExpertExpert Interview Allow the metal to flex and return to its original shape.[2]XResearch source If the bumper is plastic, push the dent out from behind after you pour the hot water over it.[3]XResearch source
Don’t press the dent out of metal like you would for a plastic bumper.
You may not be able to remove all dents from metal bumpers.
2 Pour cold water over the area to help the bumper retain its shape. If the bumper is plastic, keep pressing out the dent from the inside until it’s fully removed. Then, pour a pot full of cold water when you’re finished to solidify the bumper.[4]XResearch source
Advertisement Question 2 of 5:
Will boiling water damage car paint?
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No, boiling water will not damage your car’s paint. Car paint is covered by finishes that keep them shiny and protected. Pouring hot or boiling water over a bumper to fix a dent won’t cause damage or strip away the paint.[5]XResearch source
Question 3 of 5:
Can all dents be removed from a car’s bumper?
Download Article
Yes, there’s a way to remove most dents. With boiling water, you can remove many minor dents and dings from your car’s bumper. But if you aren’t able to remove them yourself, you can take your car to an auto repair shop. They’ll have specialized equipment that can repair more serious damage.[6]XResearch source
Advertisement Question 4 of 5:
How much does it cost to fix your car bumper?
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1 Bumper repairs cost between $500 and $2000 USD. If your bumper is cracked or severely dented beyond the point that you can easily repair yourself, take it to a professional. They’ll have the equipment and gear to make the repairs, but you can expect to pay at least $500 to cover the labor.
2 The average replacement cost is $830 USD. If your bumper is so damaged that it can’t be simply repaired, you may need to fully replace it. With parts and labor, you can expect to pay more than you would for a simple repair.
Advertisement Question 5 of 5:
Can I drive with a damaged bumper?
Download Article
No, a damaged bumper is no longer able to withstand impact. Cracks and dents are more than just cosmetic problems. Even small ones can affect your bumper’s structural integrity. If you get into another accident, even a small fender bender, your bumper won’t be able to absorb the impact and it could lead to damage to your vehicle’s body.[7]XResearch source
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Tips
If you have a dent in your car’s side panel, try pouring boiling water over it and attaching a plunger to the center of the dent. Use the plunger to pull out the dent while the material is still malleable. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References
↑ Chad Zani. Auto Detailing Expert. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert This article was co-authored by Chad Zani. Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. This article has been viewed 87,675 times. 10 votes - 88% Co-authors: 8Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 87,675 Categories: Car Maintenance and Repair
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert Co-authors: 8Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 87,67588% of readers found this article helpful. 10 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Does boiling water work on metal and plastic bumpers? 2 Will boiling water damage car paint? 3 Can all dents be removed from a car’s bumper? 4 How much does it cost to fix your car bumper? 5 Can I drive with a damaged bumper? + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Chad Zani 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert This article was co-authored by Chad Zani. Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. This article has been viewed 87,675 times. 10 votes - 88% Co-authors: 8 Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 87,675 Categories: Car Maintenance and Repair 
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1 Yes, it can help remove dents from both metal and plastic bumpers. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully pour the water over the surface of the dent to heat up the metal.[1] Allow the metal to flex and return to its original shape.[2] If the bumper is plastic, push the dent out from behind after you pour the hot water over it.[3] 
2 Pour cold water over the area to help the bumper retain its shape. If the bumper is plastic, keep pressing out the dent from the inside until it’s fully removed. Then, pour a pot full of cold water when you’re finished to solidify the bumper.[4] Advertisement 
No, boiling water will not damage your car’s paint. Car paint is covered by finishes that keep them shiny and protected. Pouring hot or boiling water over a bumper to fix a dent won’t cause damage or strip away the paint.[5] 
Yes, there’s a way to remove most dents. With boiling water, you can remove many minor dents and dings from your car’s bumper. But if you aren’t able to remove them yourself, you can take your car to an auto repair shop. They’ll have specialized equipment that can repair more serious damage.[6] Advertisement 
1 Bumper repairs cost between $500 and $2000 USD. If your bumper is cracked or severely dented beyond the point that you can easily repair yourself, take it to a professional. They’ll have the equipment and gear to make the repairs, but you can expect to pay at least $500 to cover the labor. 
2 The average replacement cost is $830 USD. If your bumper is so damaged that it can’t be simply repaired, you may need to fully replace it. With parts and labor, you can expect to pay more than you would for a simple repair. Advertisement 
No, a damaged bumper is no longer able to withstand impact. Cracks and dents are more than just cosmetic problems. Even small ones can affect your bumper’s structural integrity. If you get into another accident, even a small fender bender, your bumper won’t be able to absorb the impact and it could lead to damage to your vehicle’s body.[7]