Paintless dent repair or paintless dent removal is ideal for addressing unexpected dings on your vehicle. In this guide, we outline what types of dents qualify, how long it takes, and if you can do the process yourself at home.
Have you returned to your vehicle in the parking lot and spotted an unmistakably new scratch or dent? The culprit could be any number of things, although a rogue shopping cart or a free-swinging car door from the next space over is probably to blame. If so, your first instinct could be to ignore it. It’s not essential to the function of your car, and you might be afraid of how much it will cost to fix.
If dealing with repairs or maintenance gives you a headache, you are not alone. According to a survey conducted by AAA, two of every three drivers are distrustful of auto repair facilities, based on factors like overcharging, poor experiences, and unnecessary “fixes.” Given the hassle of taking your vehicle somewhere, and then being without it for a time, maybe you figure it’s just not worth it.
The Risk of Ignoring Damage
It is not recommended to take this route because of several factors. For one, ignoring the damage can cause a drop in the resale or trade-in value of your vehicle. If you trade your dinged-up car for a newer vehicle, the dealership will take the damage into consideration and may offer a lower value.
Secondly, unattended dents or scratches leave your vehicle exposed to corrosion. If this process begins, the exterior of your vehicle will begin to rust. This is an irreversible chemical change that reduces the safety and value of your vehicle. Rust can accelerate or lessen depending on if you live in a dry climate, or if your vehicle is constantly exposed to the elements (such as being parked in a driveway or on the street during winter months).
Research continues to show that Americans are keeping their cars for longer. If you are in this category like so many others are, it’s imperative you do everything you can to keep your vehicle in the best possible shape. That is why you should address even the smallest of dings or dents, but what is your best option?
What Is Paintless Dent Repair?
Paintless dent repair (or PDR) is widely considered the most cost-effective, quickest, and most environmentally friendly solution to vehicle dent repairs. A good analogy would be a minor scratch on your arm compared to a more severe cut or laceration. Traditional auto body repair would be a comparable treatment option to stitches or surgery. PDR, in this analogy, would be the treatment option for the more minor injury.
PDR is typically achieved via a series of crucial steps:
- Analyzing and accessing the damaged area.
- Removing the affected area panel to gain access to the posterior side of the dent.
- Slowly applying continuous pressure to both sides to work out the dent (without overcorrection).
What Dents Qualify for Paintless Dent Repair?
Best suited for low force impacts, paintless dent repair is a process for most minor dings. Light or minimal hail damage, impacts from stray balls in the driveway, and other “door dings” usually qualify for PDR.
When you take your vehicle in, the body shop will look for how far the metal on your car has been “stretched” due to the dent. They will examine the shape and depth of the dent. The smaller and more shallow the dent, the more PDR is a viable option.
Limits of Paintless Dent Repair
PDR only works if the dent has not seriously chipped or cracked your car’s paint. Anything that has caused deeper damage, or damage that is noticeable from a distance, will be too severe. If the dent is wider than your balled-up fist, or goes deeper into a door or panel than a half-inch, alternative measures are probably your best bet.
If the dent is too large, the process of working the panel out from both sides will likely stretch the metal and cause further imperfections. And if the damaged area consists of a deep crease or cut, PDR is also out of the question.
“A few years ago, I was cleaning out the garage and a ladder fell on my Ford Fusion,” recalls Carl Anthony, Automoblog’s Managing Editor. “When I moved it, there was a nasty slice about the size of a debit card right above the front passenger tire. The ladder had come down just right. My local guy ended up using different blending and color-matching techniques in order to complete the job. For the damage the ladder caused, paintless dent repair just wasn’t an option.”
Another example is the damage associated with hitting a deer. Collisions with wildlife often cause too much damage for paintless dent repair to be effective.
Can It Damage My Car Further?
No, but the caveat is making sure the dent or ding isn’t outside the scope of what PDR can accomplish. Assuming the dent qualifies, and if the process is done correctly, it will be hard to tell (if not impossible) where the dent was to begin with.
Auto body professionals are trained and certified to perform a number of repairs on your vehicle, including PDR. Many of them have been working in the shop for years, so they are accustomed to seeing all kinds of dents.
“If the technician is well-trained and good with the tools, the dent will be completely gone and you will have nothing to worry about,” Anthony said. “Although, if you are unsure, don’t be afraid to ask questions. In my experience in the car business, technicians at reputable shops are very good at explaining things in a clear and concise way.”
How Long Does It Take?
Fortunately, because it’s designed for smaller and less intrusive impacts, paintless dent repair is a quicker solution compared to traditional repairs or replacements. While traditional repairs may require ordering factory parts and paint, and an overnight stay in the shop for your car (or longer), paintless dent repair is done same-day and requires no additional parts.
If the dent is minor, the wait time is similar to that of getting your tires replaced. It will take a few hours at most. However, if there is extensive damage, like what might occur after a hail storm, the process could take several days.
Will My Insurance Cover Paintless Dent Repair?
Unless the repairs extend beyond multiple sections or panels of the body, paying out of pocket is probably your best option. While you can get your insurance to cover the cost, you run the risk of facing an increased premium down the road.
Generally speaking, repairs out of pocket are probably limited to a couple hundred dollars (or less) if it’s a typical dent.
Can I Do Paintless Dent Repair Myself?
Before you decide, consider if you have the time, patience, and necessary tools. While not expensive, these tools need to be used correctly for the best results, which takes practice. If you are short on time, then it might be best to seek out the services of a professional.
If you have time to spare, or find yourself dealing with this unfortunate damage frequently, then it might be wise to learn. However, it is imperative you do not overcorrect the dent. Overcorrecting is the application of too much force when you pull the dent out, thus stretching the metal. This is not a process you can reverse, so avoid this crucial mistake.
Auto body professionals know what parts need to be removed to access the damaged area in a timely fashion. They also know the fine line between fixing the dent and overcorrecting. When it doubt, always consult a reputiable auto body shop.
What It All Means
While DIY repairs are an option, the expert-level knowledge and the ability to use the required tools might be more effort than it’s worth – especially as paintless dent repair is rarely an expensive fix.
The most important thing is to address the dent as soon as it becomes apparent. That will preserve the life of your vehicle down the road.
Dominic LoBianco is a contributing author on behalf of Caliber Collision. Dominic covers a wide array of themes and topics ranging from safe driving tips to revamping your morning commute.
Original article: Paintless Dent Repair: What is it, Does it Work & Should You do it?
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