Did your new car just get an unfortunate dent? Even worse, did a hailstorm cover your car in dents? Don’t worry, if you want your car to look new again, there are a few solutions to it. Regardless of how hard you try to avoid collisions and protect your vehicle, it will definitely sustain damage due to circumstances beyond your control. Your vehicle is vulnerable to both the elements and other vehicles, whether on the road or in a parking lot. Although discovering auto damage is upsetting, many dents, dings, and scratches can be easily repaired by a reputable auto body repair shop. When it comes to getting a car dent repaired, there are two methods; paintless dent removal and traditional dent removal. Paintless dent repair is a relatively new method as compared to traditional dent repair. Let us explore the difference between the two and help you determine which one is better for your car.
Difference Between Paintless Dent Removal and Traditional Dent Removal
The main distinction between the two is that paintless dent repair, or PDR, is a non-invasive method of removing small dents when no damage to the car’s paint job has occurred. Technicians remove the panels behind the dent and massage the metal back to its original shape with a set of tools. Body fillers are used in traditional dent repair to fill the dent to create an even surface The area is then sanded and repainted. This type of repair is typically performed in a body shop and requires extensive work, which naturally takes more time and money.
When it comes to traditional dent removal, there are various steps involved in the process, as compared to paintless dent removal. The steps are as follows:
- The original paint of the damaged area is removed by the body shop technician.
- The technician then applies a putty-like filler to the damaged area, which then has to dry and harden, generally overnight.
- Next, they sand the filler and apply a primer coat, which requires another round of drying.
- Then a coat of paint is applied which should match the original color of your car.
- Following that, a clear coat is applied over the paint.
- Finally, before returning your car to you, it is cleaned and polished.
This method of dent removal is expensive as well as time-consuming. If you decide to go ahead with this method, be prepared to leave your car at the auto body repair shop for a couple of weeks.
Paintless Dent Removal is another option for repairing dents, dings, and hail damage. It’s a technique for removing small (and large) dents and dings using a set of highly specialized tools in the hands of a PDR technician who has been specially trained and certified.
One method is where the technician strikes the dent from the inside out with these specialized tools. These specialized tools enable the technician to reach behind fenders, inside doors, and between body panels to gently push the dent away and restore the metal to its original shape. Another method is to use specialized equipment to pull the dent out.
The paint remains in its original form with PDR as it does not require any kind of refinishing, paint matching, or blending.
Following are some reasons to opt for Paintless Dent Removal for your car:
1. Save Time:
PDR usually takes a fraction of the time that body shops do.
2. Maintain Resale Value:
When it is time to sell or trade your car, paint repairs can be more easily identified. Buyers frequently believe the damage is much worse than it is.
3. Save Money:
This may result in you renting a car for only a few days rather than a few weeks, and the process is usually less expensive than Body Shop repairs.
4. Improved Repair Quality:
There is no need to be concerned about paint mismatching or overspray with PDR.
5. Environmentally Friendly:
There is no harmful paint dust or chemicals or solvents used in PDR.
6. Insurance Friendly:
Automakers and insurance companies approve of Paintless Dent Removal.
So, which is the best for you? PDR may be the best option if you have minor damage that has not affected the paint on your vehicle. Traditional auto body repair may be a better option if you have more extensive damage or if the paint on your vehicle has been affected. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make and should be based on your specific requirements, schedule, and budget.