The longest few seconds you’ll ever experience are those after you reverse your car into the wrought-iron gate of your complex. This is a feeling I know all too well, as I am the self-proclaimed queen of fender-benders.
The longest few seconds you’ll ever experience are those after you reverse your car into the wrought-iron gate of your complex. This is a feeling I know all too well, as I am the self-proclaimed queen of fender-benders.
My last “oopsy” cost R29 000. I paid R7 000, but my insurance excess increased yet again.
After one too many visits to the panel beaters, I decided to take matters into my own hands: I would mend my car myself. Here I must add that I am the person least qualified to fix a dented and damaged Suzuki, but I put on my thinking cap and got to work.
When I told the gentleman at the hardware store I wanted to purchase a toilet plunger to remove dents from my car, I was met with a blank stare, followed by raucous laughter.
I didn’t let this discourage me, and put some elbow grease into fixing my car. In order for you to do the same you'll need a toilet plunger (R37), a jar of petroleum jelly (R8) and bucket of soapy water.
Steps to success:
- Clean the area around the dent and dry it thoroughly.
- Apply the petroleum jelly to the outer rim of the plunger.
- Firmly place the plunger on the dent and forcefully push inwards to create suction.
- Pull the plunger backwards (don’t be afraid to pull hard).
- Repeat this until dent is gone. After you're done, stand back and admire your handiwork, which costs a grand total of R45.
Managing to save myself a few thousand bucks, I think a new pair of killer high heels is definitely in order!
