Paintless dent repair, or PDR, is the art of removing a dent or ding from auto panels without the use of fillers and repainting. This is possible due to “memory” in today’s auto metals. PDR professionals leverage these properties of today’s flexible metals to massage them back to their original form. It is this memory that gives cars their many curves, lines, and aerodynamic features. It is also what creates those unsightly dents and dings we get from parking lots, storms and hail stones. After accessing the backside of the damaged panel, the technician uses special lighting and a variety of tools to significantly reshape the dented panel to it's pre-accident condition. If repaired properly, often the the damaged area can be entirely restored whether it be a common door ding, hail damage or even a larger dent.
Absolutely! It is very common to go through insurance with larger claims, especially hail damage. We work with your insurance company FOR you. When insurance quotes hail damage or other PDR related damages, chances are they quote a price half of what it takes to do a good repair. We hold them accountable and make sure they pay what is needed to do a proper repair.
PDR is a great solution for many hail damage scenarios, especially when the dents are small, shallow, and the paint remains intact. However, for severe hail damage, a professional assessment is crucial to determine the best repair approach. In some cases, a combination of PDR and traditional bodywork may be the most effective solution. Consulting with a qualified PDR technician will provide a clear understanding of what can be achieved for your specific situation.
Assuming that the dent is a good candidate for paintless dent removal, today’s more flexible metals also require flexible paint. You can think of today’s paints as a marriage between rubber and color. Flex agents in the paint makes PDR completely effective without any harm to the finish.
A good rule of thumb for hail damage is 3 inches or less, or about the width of a credit card. Other issues are number of dents per panel, and the condition of the car’s finish. Any hail related dent damage that is bigger than 3 inches is most likely stretched and may require conventional repair methods or panel replacement. It is important to know that even skilled technicians have their limits.
PDR is a great resource for the restoration of damaged areas on your vehicle, but it is not a “fix-all”. There are limits to the method of paintless dent repair, and sometimes damage is in need of more serious, conventional repair. Often, if the damage has cracked the paint or caved in the edge of the panel, it is likely in need of conventional body shop repair. We are able to recommend some trusted body shops if we are not able to assist you.