Hail…it can be one of the most devastating things that nature throws at us. Hail is caused when raindrops drift upwards during a thunderstorm. These raindrops freeze, harden, and then fall from the sky, causing damage. While the average hailstone is usually no more than one or two inches in size, some have been documented as weighing several ounces, with the largest one weighing in at two lbs.
Hail storms are prevalent in the Midwest; in fact, that’s where the larger storms tend to manifest on a yearly basis. If you live in Rapid City and have been unfortunate enough to be caught in the middle of one, then you’re already familiar with the damage they can cause to cars. Hailstorms can leave dents larger than those left by shopping carts. The question now becomes: what am I going to do about it?
Removing dents is essential to maintaining your car’s structural integrity and appearance. In the past, dent removal meant taking your vehicle to a body shop and being without your vehicle for days, sometimes a week at a time. The dent was then pounded, sanded, primed, and painted over. This process had mixed results and could sometimes lead to a diminished resale value or the voiding of corrosion warranty coverage.
But…there’s a new way.
Welcome to the world of paintless dent repair (PDR.) This new process is cost-effective, time-saving, and even more ecologically friendly. How does it work? Let’s find out.
The process of PDR involves removing the exterior panels of your vehicle that have been damaged. Dents are then worked on from underneath with special tools that smooth out the abrasions without compromising your vehicle’s paint job. The process can be done in a few short hours, sometimes less, depending on the scale of the damage. The process costs much less, and because of the lack of chemicals involved, less waste is produced, which lowers the carbon footprint the automotive industry leaves each year.
PDR can also prevent some warranty coverages from being voided. Repainting any vehicle can sometimes cancel corrosion warranties supplied by the manufacturer at purchase. PDR also doesn’t need to be placed on your vehicle’s history report, ensuring resale value.
No one likes getting caught in the rain, or hail for that matter, without protection. If you’ve recently encountered damage via a hail storm, allow us to take care of the dents, dings, and other abrasions left behind. Give our Dent Shop Rapid City team a call today at 605-646-5414 or come down and see us at 3010 Cambell Street # 2 in Rapid City.