Category: Paintless Dent Repair

The Most Common Paintless Dent Removal FAQs

paintless dent removal

Discovering significant hail damage on your vehicle after a hailstorm can be stressful and frustrating. What are you supposed to do about all those unattractive dents marking up the body of your vehicle? Luckily, autobody experts have stated that 80% to 90% of dings and dents have the potential to be repaired using a technique known as paintless dent repair (PDR). But what exactly is paintless dent removal? Continue reading to get the most common facts and answers for paintless dent removal questions.

PDR Removes Minor Dings and Dents

Paintless dent repair, also known as paintless dent removal, is exactly what the name suggests. It is a dent repair process that removes dents and dings out of the body of a vehicle without altering, harming or removing the paint. Specialized tools are carefully used to massage dents out from the back of body panels, meaning the structure of the dented panel goes back to its pre-damaged condition.

Are There Benefits to Using PDR?

Yes, there are many advantages to choosing PDR! One of the best benefits is maintaining the quality of your vehicle by preserving its original prime condition and value. Paintless dent removal is a dent repair method that brings your vehicle closest to the condition it was in before the dent ever happened. No primers, fillers, bondo or grinding are used to mar the condition of a vehicle’s paint or go over the dent. That also means you won’t have any problems with paint shrinkage, paint fading or bubbling, or filler issues like traditional dent repairs cause. Paintless dent repair is fast, costs less than traditional methods and maintains vehicle value, which is why it’s the preferred repair method.

Will Dents Come Back?

Dents do not come with paintless dent repair. PDR ensures all the hail damage dents on a vehicle that get repaired are 100% gone. Deeper dents can be more difficult to repair, but even then, they will not pop back out after repairs are completed. PDR specialists will inspect your vehicle and let you know what you can expect beforehand as to whether or not your car’s dents can be fully removed by PDR.

Can PDR Be Used to Fix All Vehicle Dents?

No, not every dent can be fixed using PDR. If there is any paint damage, PDR becomes unusable because this method only fixes cars with paint intact. Other determining factors for dents that can be fixed include the location and the depth, for example, larger dents are fixable if they aren’t too deep. Dents that are tiny but extremely deep tend to stretch the metal too far, making it impossible to use PDR. Some areas, including the quarter panel opening lips, edges of panels, or heavily braced hoods, are in bad locations that cannot be fixed.

To determine if your hail damage dents can be fixed using PDR, contact a shop that specializes in the service. They will also be able to fully inspect the dents on your vehicle and let you know if they can help. For a free hail damage repair estimate, contact Dent Shop today.

You Need to Get Your Vehicle Hail Dents Removed More Than You Think

vehicle hail damage

Is the hood, roof and trunk of your vehicle littered with dents from hail? Up to 77% of vehicles in regions prone to hailstorms will receive dents and dings due to hail damage and necessitate dent removal services. Hail damage is noticeable, unsightly and decreases the value of vehicles.

While there are likely dozens of vehicle maintenance and repair shops in your region, you want to find a shop specializing in paintless dent repair (PDR) for hail damage. PDR saves money and time, helps maintain the original paint on your car, and keeps negative reports off of CARFAX in case you want to sell your car later. Below are the top reasons you need to have dents removed immediately.

Paintless Dent Removal Is Fast and Effective

Are you worried about needing a rental car for at least a week while having hail damage fixed? Repair technicians recommend having hail damage corrected using PDR. Depending on the severity and location of the hail damage, you can have the body of your vehicle repaired in as little as one or two days depending on the extent of the damage. In some cases, dent removal can happen the same day you bring your vehicle in if the hail damage is light and you’re able to make an appointment.

PDR is Necessary Before Additional Hail Damage Happens

If you’re lucky, the dents from an initial hailstorm will not crack your paint, meaning PDR can be used on your vehicle. But if another hailstorm happens, the impact from the hailstones can further damage existing dents, and even crack or chip paint. This is especially true if the existing dents crease even more due to a weakened body panel from the second hailstorm. Should that happen, you’ll need to have a panel replacement or conventional repairs with repainting because otherwise the exposed metal will rust and spread over time. PDR techniques are effective in repairing hail damage and can restore your vehicle to prime condition.

Traditional Dent Repair Techniques Are More Expensive

One main reason you do not want to postpone paintless dent removal is the fact that conventional repair techniques cost more and take more time to provide. Going this route means you may have to have the panels of your vehicle repainted or replaced. This will reduce the overall value of your automobile, too. Try not to postpone hail damage repairs, because an additional storm could worsen the damage and render your vehicle unsuitable for PDR.

When your auto has been damaged by hail, contact an auto body shop that specializes in paintless dent repairs. There is no better way to preserve the value of your vehicle. PDR is an invaluable service that will make your car look as good as new. To learn more about this excellent hail damage repair method, contact the Dent Shop today.

How Does PDR Work?

car dent repair

Having your car damaged by hail can be a terrible experience. Fortunately, most auto hail damage can be repaired by paintless dent repair (PDR). In fact, experts say that 80% to 90% of dents can be fixed using paintless dent repair. Read on to find out more about how this car dent repair process works.

What Is Paintless Dent Removal?

Paintless dent removal (PDR) is a technique that is used for vehicle dent repair through reshaping the panel. With this technique, there is no need to fill in the dent or paint the car, a process used in traditional repairs that negatively affects vehicle value. During the paintless dent repair process, the specialists use special tools to press and massage dents. This is how dented metal is pushed out, and the vehicle is restored to its normal shape. The important thing to note is that this method of car dent repair does not affect the manufacturer’s paintwork finish, which is valuable because it’s guaranteed to last a certain number of years. Repainting filled in sections will not have the same finish or guarantee, because it’s not likely to last as long – the paint could fade in color, scratch or bubble.

PDR is now the preferred body shop alternative to traditional car dent repair methods, in large part because it’s more affordable and quicker than other methods since it doesn’t require painting. If your car’s hail damage qualifies for PDR, the entire process is usually completed in a day or so.

What Does Paintless Dent Repair Involve?

With PDR, skilled technicians rely on industry-grade, reusable tools to carefully manipulate precise locations of metal to the correct height. Usually, the metal is pressed from the inside of the panel. Technicians also use metal rods and body picks to massage the dents. If done correctly, this is how the car panels can be restored to their original state. The damaged areas are illuminated by LED lighting to help technicians can visualize the dented area properly while repairs are being performed.

What Are the Benefits of Paintless Dent Removal?

There are several benefits to PDR. This method is cost-effective when compared to traditional techniques. There will be no need to paint the car. Therefore, it is also faster. Because of the light work required, there is no multistep preparation that normally comes with conventional repairs, such as preparing the surface (grinding away existing paint so the filler will stick), filling in the dent and painting each layer over the filler after the first one dries. One of the most significant advantages is that there will be no discoloration to your car and its value will be restored to pre-damaged condition.

Paintless dent repair is one of the best methods of car dent repair when your car has been affected by hail. The method is quick and cost-effective, and your car will be back to its normal condition in no time at all. All you need to do is find a qualified PDR company to do the job for you. Search for “paintless dent repair near me” or “hail damage repair near me” and if you’re close to one of Dent Shop’s locations, we’d be more than happy to give you a free hail damage repair estimate to determine if your vehicle can be repaired using PDR. Contact us today to learn more about our hail damage repair services and qualified PDR technicians.

The 5 W’s of Hail Damage Repair

hail damage repair

Extreme weather changes all across the world have led to an increase in the number and magnitude of storms. More severe weather frequently includes elements such as hail, which is a large culprit of the dings and dents that impact vehicles. In fact, the National Weather Service reports that it only takes hail the size of a golf ball (1.75 inches) to cause damage to a vehicle.

It’s almost inevitable that a vehicle will suffer some kind of dent damage from weather-related events, especially if hailstorms are common in your region. Read on to find out more about what hail damage is, how it can affect your vehicle, and where you might go to obtain a hail damage repair.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

The damage typically results in circular or conical-shaped dents that are visible on the body of a vehicle. The top of your vehicle will receive the most and deepest damage, but hail can also bounce off the pavement or other objects to ding the front, back and sides of your vehicle as well. In most cases of minor hailstorms, the impact of small hailstones will dent the exterior, but the paint will bend with it. But with more severe hailstorms and wind, hail stones can also damage the paintwork.

How Does Hail Damage Impact a Vehicle?

Hail damage affects the monetary value of a vehicle by quite a bit. A car’s value will depreciate the more damage there is, but hail damage is especially devaluing. This is due to the amount of damage spread over a large area, typically requiring expensive traditional methods of repair. Not only that, but the dents are telling of a vehicle that has been through significant weather events, which prospective buyers are hesitant to buy.

When Should Hail Damage Repair Be Sought?

As soon as hail damage occurs, vehicle owners should go get an estimate for hail damage repairs. When paint damage is present in the dents, unfortunately, the vehicle will need time-consuming costly traditional repairs or replacement panels to avoid rust forming and spreading in the paint cracks. But if the paint in intact, opt for paintless dent repairs, a modern method to fix dents without repainting or replacing exterior panels.

Where Should Someone Go for Hail Damage Repair Services?

A person who is interested in fixing these dents should first obtain an estimate for paintless dent repairs for hail damage. Paintless dent repair is the premier, insurance-preferred method for fixing dents and hail damage since the fast, cost-effective process removes the dents without harming the factory finish paint. It also restores the car to its pre-damaged value.

Who Can Do Hail Damage Repair?

Businesses with certified paintless dent repair and hail damage repair technicians are able to employ PDR techniques with training, skill and experience. Their website will usually list credentials or the methods used to repair vehicle damage such as dents from hail. If not, call and confirm the company can complete paintless dent repairs before seeking an estimate there.

Why Does Hail Damage Repair Matter?

Fixing the dents from hail properly is important because not only does it address the physical appearance of a vehicle, but choosing the right type of repairs can also impact its monetary value. For car owners who plan to sell or trade-in their vehicle, hail damage is a serious issue in regard to how their vehicle’s value will be calculated.

If your vehicle has been damaged by hail, make sure that you contact your local PDR specialists for repairs. If you’re in one of the service areas of the Dent Shop locations, we encourage you to reach out to our expert teams for a free estimate.

The Most Common Ways Cars Get Dented

dent removal

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road and feeling the wind in your hair. But as fun as driving can be, vehicles go through their fair share of wear and tear. That wear and tear can include major and minor dents that require dent removal. Even if you are a careful driver, dents are inevitable sometimes. If you’re trying to be extra careful with your car, here are some major causes of dents you need to know about.

Storms

All at times of the year, major storms can roar through and cause damage in the form of fallen trees, dropped tree limbs and debris wreckage. Hailstorms are especially bad for vehicles, since they can wreak havoc on the metal exterior of cars and create the need for dent removal. Even small chunks of hail can cause lots of small dents or compromise your windows.

Accidents

Minor collisions can cause dents that may still be able to be repaired with paintless dent repair, but in most cases, car accidents cause damage to the factory finish paint as well. But accidents don’t always have to mean collisions with other vehicles. In the case of deer, bird or other animal strikes, you may have dents in your vehicle as a result. Accidental dings can also occur from some surprising sources, such as acorns dropping from trees above, umbrellas blowing into a vehicle or even a sports ball of some kind hitting a side panel.

In 2017, some of the most common vehicle repairs were wiper blade replacement, air filter replacement, and oil filter replacement. Dents are also near the top of the list of common repairs, and if you’ve been in any kind of accident, you should get your car checked out.

Dings

Believe it or not, parking lots can be some of the most dangerous places for your car. Why? Parking in a congested lot means you’re surrounded by other cars and there’s the potential for your car to get dented by the doors of other cars. The carelessness of just one driver can send an errant door slamming into the side of your car, leaving you with a sizable dent, or at least a nasty scratch.

Debris

Dent removal may also be needed after driving on a bumpy road. This is because stones, sticks and other debris get stirred up and fly around, especially during storms or on windy days. This also applies if you’re following behind another car or a truck that’s hauling cargo. If a car is hauling cargo like rocks or wood, there’s the potential for an errant piece to get loose and smack into your car. The best thing you can do is check your car out after a drive and deal with any dent issues immediately.

Make sure that you’re keeping an eye out for any dents that appear from these common causes or from other more unique circumstances. If you noticed that your car has been dented, it’s a good idea to get dent removal services as soon as possible. For cost-effective, fast, high-quality paintless dent removal services, contact Dent Shop today for a free estimate!

Paintless Dent Repair’s Frequently Asked Questions

dents from hail

If your car has gotten dings and dents from hail or debris and you’re looking into ways to fix it, you may have come across paintless dent repair (PDR). If you’re unsure what PDR is, these frequently asked questions and answers can help you learn more about how it works and why it’s beneficial.

What is PDR?

PDR is a process used to remove dings and dents from a car’s body without removing or altering any paint. This is achieved by carefully assessing the damage, gaining entry to the dent, and then applying slow pressure to work out the dent using specialized tools. PDR is considered an environmentally friendly car repair method that can be carried out quickly and at an affordable cost.

Are There Any Benefits of PDR?

The good news is, PDR has many benefits for both your vehicle and budget. For starters, by choosing PDR, you ensure your dent is repaired through quality processes. That’s because you won’t need extras like fillers or primers that can cause filler or paint shrinkage, even if your car has dents from hail.

PDR is also a more cost-effective dent repair option, due to both the cost of repairs and the fact that this method restores vehicle value to pre-dented condition.

Besides saving money on the repairs themselves, you can also save because PDR typically repairs dents in a fraction of the time needed for other methods meaning no rental vehicle necessary. Last but not least, PDR is an environmentally friendly method that eliminates the need for paint, toxins, and other chemicals that are used by vehicle body shops and which can be harmful to the environment.

Where Do I Find Quality PDR Technicians?

Whether you need to fix dents from hail or other common causes of dents such as car doors, falling tree branches and road debris, your best bet is to go with a reputable company that employs certified PDR and hail technicians. Find a brick and mortar shop near you that guarantees their work and adheres to the nationally accepted standards for the industry.

Will PDR Damage the Painting on My Car?

It’s normal to worry about resale value if you have substantial dents from hail on your vehicle. However, with PDR, the paint on your car will be 100% safe, since this technique slowly bends the dent out and the panel into its original position. It also helps that the paint used on cars today is not easily susceptible to damage from slight impacts.

Does PDR Completely Remove the Dent?

Minor dents are much easier to remove, but it can be tricky getting rid of deeper, creased dents. Still, PDR can do a stellar job of eliminating the damage. The good news is once fixed, the dents will not come back. However, keep in mind some dents can’t be fixed with PDR, especially if they’re too deep or are in a difficult location.

Contact Dent Shop to learn more about the benefits of PDR and determine if your vehicle damage is suitable for this type of repair. Schedule your free estimate today!

What Types of Auto Damage Can PDR Fix?

car hail damage

Did you know that almost 90% of dents can be repaired using paintless dent repair (PDR)? Even though a wide variety of dent removal can be accomplished with PDR, it pays to fully understand if your auto damage can be repaired before you take it to a technician. Let’s learn a little bit more about what factors affect whether paintless dent removal can take care of your auto damage.

Auto Dent Complexity

Dent complexity plays a big role in whether or not PDR will be able to solve your auto damage problems. When we talk about complex dents, we’re typically not referring to minor car hail damage. A complex dent has two components that a PDR technician will need to assess: creasing and depth.

Dent creasing occurs when part of the exterior of your vehicle has been bent or squeezed together. For instance, if the hood of your car was bent to the point where a crease occurred in the hood, it would be difficult to get that ridge out of the metal without replacing it completely. Whether or not PDR can fix a creased dent is up to the technician and the size of the dent.

Dent depth also plays a critical role in determining whether PDR will be a feasible repair method. Shallow dents are typically easier to repair than deep dents, no matter what type of dent repair you’re investing in. When a dent is very deep, it’s possible that the car’s paint has been compromised. If the paint hasn’t been compromised, your PDR technician will likely be able to fix this for you. It’s also important to understand that if your factory finish paint is damaged, then the exposed metal can and will rust. The term “paintless” mean that dents are removed without harming or altering the paint, which cannot be done if there’s exposed metal that will require repainting or panel replacement.

Cause of Vehicle Dents

The cause of your dent may also play a role in whether PDR can be used as a solution or not. For instance, car hail damage, especially from smaller hailstones, is a common reason to use PDR. The larger the hailstone is, the bigger the dents will be. Since hailstones are mostly rounded, the dents they leave behind don’t usually leave a crease. These dents are typically round, shallow and easier to pop out with PDR techniques. Dents from door dings and debris are also great candidates for PDR because the dents are typically shallow and the car’s paint isn’t compromised. Sports accidents, such as a baseball or basketball hitting your car, can be fixed with PDR techniques as well. Much like hail, these objects will leave a shallow, round impression in your car that typically doesn’t compromise the exterior paint.

Whether you need PDR to repair damage to your vehicle ultimately depends on the nature of your car’s dents. For all of your PDR needs, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Dent Shop today for a free estimate.

Making These Mistakes with Vehicle Hail Repair Could Cost You

vehicle hail repair

If you live in an area of the country where hail storms are common, you’re all too familiar with the vehicle damage they can cause. Vehicle hail damage can range in severity depending on the intensity of the hail storm, but thankfully, following some of these best practices can get your vehicle fixed and back on the road again quickly. For starters, here are some potentially costly mistakes to avoid after your car gets dinged by hail.

Ignoring Hail Damage

For less severe hail storms, oftentimes the damage may not seem that bad to the untrained eye. Some vehicle owners may be tempted to ignore the pockmarked imperfections across the hood, roof and trunk. However, that’s no excuse to ignore the damage. Hail damage can lower the resale value of your car, truck, motorcycle or more by thousands of dollars. If you were to get in a collision afterward, the cost of repairs compared against the lowered vehicle value may cause your insurance company to total the vehicle prematurely. When you spot the first signs of hail damage on your vehicle, it’s important to take action right away.

Waiting Until the End of Hail Season for Repairs

It may hail again before the end of the season, but that doesn’t mean you should wait to have your vehicle hail damage repaired. Leaving hail damage as is could mean the next storm exacerbates it. As a result, you could end up with damaged paint, bigger dents and a more expensive repair bill. If the second hail storm ends up cracking the vehicle paint, you’ll be forced to get either replacement panels or the damaged section filled in and repainted with costly conventional methods. That’s why you shouldn’t wait until hail season is over before investing in dent removal.

Failing to File an Insurance Claim

Calling your insurance agent doesn’t have to be the first thing you do after sustaining car hail damage. That said, you shouldn’t avoid filing a claim for fear of your premiums increasing. Unlike collisions, hailstorms are hardly your fault – they’re considered acts of nature that are covered under comprehensive auto insurance policies. Not taking advantage of your insurance policy to offset the cost of hail damage repair means that you’ll pay more out of pocket. When in doubt, do whatever you can to offset vehicle repair costs. Try to ensure your claims adjuster’s repair estimate matches the average anticipated repair costs by receiving an estimate from a reputable local dent repair company.

Choosing Traditional Dent Repair Instead of PDR

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is one of the most effective methods of hail damage repair you can invest in. Not only is this process efficient and non-damaging to your car’s valuable paint, but it’s also much faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods of dent repair. Traditional dent repair often requires leaving your car in the shop for a week on average while waiting for prepping, filling, repainting and finishing work to be completed. When you want to save money and time and wish to restore your vehicle’s value, PDR is the way to go.

Vehicle hail repair can be an expensive venture if you fail to file a claim, choose traditional methods, wait to get the damage repaired or avoid the problem altogether. Don’t let these mistakes cost you even more money than you need to spend! For all of your vehicle dent repair needs, PDR questions and a free hail damage repair estimate, don’t hesitate to contact us at Dent Shop today.

3 Benefits of Using PDR for Small Dent Repair

small dent repair


Hail can wreak all kinds of damage on your property; unfortunately, vehicles are some of the most common hail damage victims. If you’re dealing with car hail damage, here are a few reasons you should rely on paintless dent repair (PDR) to get it fixed.

PDR Is More Efficient

Getting vehicle hail damage fixed can be a time-consuming process depending on the chosen repair method. Traditional repair methods often take weeks to complete, thanks to a long, step-by-step process. PDR, on the other hand, is a much more efficient way to get rid of those small dents from hail.

During a PDR session, your technician will utilize a specialized tool to slowly press your car’s dented exterior back into its original shape. This is typically done by removing a panel from the inside of your car to gain access to the interior of your vehicle’s body. Once your technician has access to the area where the dent is, they can simply pop it out. Depending on the number of dents from hail damage in your vehicle, this could take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two on average.

PDR Is More Cost-Effective

There’s no denying that auto repair is an expensive venture at times. This is especially true when you’re investing in traditional dent repair work. This type of dent repair work typically requires fillers, grinding, painting many layers, drying time and buffing as part of the workflow. When you choose paintless dent repair, there’s no need for all of those extra steps. It’s called paintless for a reason, after all. PDR doesn’t require any additional work or supplies, which makes it a much more cost-effective option for small dent repair. Less time, less labor and fewer materials mean spending less money on repairing your hail damage.

PDR Offers Better Preservation of Value

Resale value for cars is a finicky thing. As soon as you drive them off of the dealership lot, they start to depreciate. Traditional dent repair methods often require new paint, which isn’t guaranteed to match or last as long, thus reducing your car’s resale value. Fortunately, PDR techniques don’t interfere with your vehicle’s paint at all. The entire goal of PDR is to repair small dents without any damage to your car’s protective factory finish paint. In doing so, PDR can help preserve the value of your car.

Working with PDR technicians for small dent repair is your best bet after sustaining car hail damage. Not only will you likely have your car back within a day, but you’ll also save money and preserve your car’s protective paint. For all of your vehicle hail damage repair needs, don’t hesitate to contact our professional PDR team at Dent Shop today.

How To Prepare For a Hailstorm

dent removal cost

When the average consumer spends around $400 every year on car maintenance alone, the thought of having to deal with hail damage repair expenses certainly isn’t a fun one. If your area experiences frequent hailstorms and you’re worried about the dent removal cost for hail damage, here are a few tips to help you prepare and protect your vehicle.

Know When a Hailstorm Is Coming

The first step in preparing for a hailstorm is being aware that it’s going to occur at some point or another. Once you know that a hailstorm is headed your way, make sure you’re staying alert and checking the skies every now and again. It’s important for you to keep an eye on the forecast throughout the day; it may help to check an app or website that shows a weather radar map. If you live in an area where hail storms are common, you must always know the signs of an incoming storm. Typical signs of an imminent storm include dark clouds, strong winds, heavy rainfall, distant thunder and lightning. Hail can form in thunderstorms with a high moisture content when there are strong updrafts and part of the cloud layer is enveloped in freezing temperatures.

Protect Your Vehicle

Once you know a hail storm is headed your way (or the conditions are ripe for a hail storm), you will want to make sure your property is safe. The cost of repairing damaged property after a hailstorm can be crippling. Your vehicle should be your first priority, since it is vulnerable during hail storms and can be protected easily with preparation. Make sure you move your car to your home’s garage or a covered parking garage at work if possible. You can end up with shattered glass, dents, paint damage and broken mirrors, among other forms of damage. If you don’t have a garage or a covered carport, don’t leave your vehicle out unprotected. Use thick blankets or comforters to give your car at least a little bit of protection against incoming hailstones.

Have a Plan for Dealing with Vehicle Hail Damage

Even the best-laid plans can go to waste during a hailstorm. If your car’s protection wasn’t adequate or a hailstorm caught you by surprise, it’s important to have a plan for dent repairs. One of the best options for repairing dents from hail is paintless dent removal. This type of repair is used to fix dents without paint damage, since by pushing out the dent cavity while maintaining the paint, your vehicle stays protected without risking rust or loss of value. Not only is this an efficient method of dent repair that fixes the appearance and value reduction of your car, but the paintless dent removal cost is also pretty reasonable and the workmanship has a lifetime warranty. With this dent repair method, there’s no need to pay for expensive replacement parts or new paint jobs over bondo and filler placed in the dent cavity. With paintless dent repair, the dents are truly fixed, simply because the process involves slowly massaging the metal exterior back into its original shape and position.

Hail storm preparation is primarily about safety. The more you prepare, the less you will have to deal with the damage, dent removal cost and repairs later. If the weather catches you by surprise, reach out to Dent Shop with photos of your damage or drop by for a free estimate. We offer premier hail damage repairs, PDR services, stellar customer service and hail damage claims assistance – contact us today!