The PDR process is a good option for most minor dents. It is because it relies on a property of metal called “metal memory.” Accidents with basketballs, golf balls, or even stray baseballs can leave shallow and small dents in your vehicle. Paintless dent repair eliminates this damage and keeps the original finish intact, preserving your car’s resale value.
How It Works
The best thing about paintless dent repair is that it doesn’t require any body filler, which can harm the environment and a vehicle’s resale value. It also saves time and labor costs and avoids the headaches of color matching. Almost any dents that don’t have severe chipping or cracking are candidates for PDR, so long as the car’s paint has remained intact. If the damage extends to the edges of a panel or if it features sharp creases, it will likely not be possible to fix with PDR. Most small dents and dings are suitable for PDR, including those caused by shopping carts in grocery store parking lots or a child riding their bike into your vehicle’s front fender. Similarly, if you have minor sporting accidents with baseballs, golf balls or soccer balls, these can often be fixed with PDR. So long as your technician can easily access the area behind the dents, they can apply pressure and restore the metal to its original shape.
Safety
Despite what infomercials would have you believe, paintless dent repair is challenging at home. It requires years of training and experience to use the tools needed properly. It’s much better left to professionals who can quickly and efficiently spot the dents that can be fixed using PDR and determine which ones require the removal of interior door panels or trim pieces to gain access.
These professional technicians can also tell the difference between a ding that can be repaired by PDR and one that will need a more traditional approach, such as painting. They know how to avoid stretching the metal and causing it to crack or chip, and they can work in tight spaces without compromising your warranty or risking a costly mistake such as hitting a powerline with their tools.
By saving on the cost of body filler, sanding and repainting, you can save money and keep your car looking new. When selling, you can also retain your original factory paint and increase its value.
Cost
The damaged side and location will determine how much paintless dent repair will cost. Larger dents will cost more because it takes more time to remove them. Also, if the dents are near the edge of a panel, it will be more difficult to work on and will increase the cost. Another factor affecting the price is whether or not it is an insurance claim. People sometimes avoid filing insurance claims because they aren’t sure if the damage is worth it or don’t want to raise their rates. It is also important to consider the resale value of your car. A clean ailovemusic, dent-free finish will help keep the value of your vehicle high. It is especially true for cars with high-quality finishes still in good condition. On the other hand, a damaged paint job can decrease your resale value.
Warranty
When you purchase a new vehicle, you’re often offered a variety of warranties, guarantees, and additional protection packages. One of these coverages is a Paintless Dent Repair protection plan, commonly known as a “Dent Warranty.” Although there are DIY dent repair kits that allow owners to perform this service on their own, it’s generally best to leave the work to a skilled professional. The process requires advanced knowledge and the proper assortment of tools for optimal results. These tools include whale tails, slide or rubber hammers, pivot tips, and tap downs. PDR is much less expensive than traditional bodywork, as it eliminates the cost of body filler and sanding.
Additionally, it keeps the original factory paint intact – which can add value to your vehicle at trade-in time. It also avoids the problems that can occur during repainting, such as paint overspray getting onto areas it shouldn’t. Ultimately, the result is a spotless car that looks as if it never had a blemish, to begin with.