If you own an automobile and you live in “hail alley” (a stretch of the country encompassing the central and southern plains states), then you are probably aware of paintless dent repair (PDR). It’s a repair process that allows technicians to remove shallow dents and dings without affecting a vehicle’s paint. In this article, we’re going to be talking about the process of PDR, when you can and can’t utilize it, and why it might be best to trust a pro. Let’s go!
What is Paintless Dent Repair?
As we said above, PDR removes small dings and dents from your car without the need for repainting or coating the affected area. The dent removal process itself is relatively simple. It involves getting in underneath the affected area and gently pushing the dent out. A trained technician uses specialized tools to get in underneath the blemish and properly smooth out the dent. Where the process gets complicated is getting to the dent itself. More on that shortly. All in all, in the right hands, the process is relatively quick and easy and costs a fraction of a full dent repair job. To learn more about PDR check out this article from How Stuff Works.
Does Paintless Dent Repair Work On All Dents?
Unfortunately, PDR is not an option for all dents and dings. PDR is ideal when blemishes are shallow and have not caused the paint to crack or chip. When there is paint damage, the affected area needs to be repaired and repainted to keep the damage from getting worse. This is a more involved and expensive process and should only be done by professionals.
Why Should I Go To A Professional? Can’t I Just Do It Myself?
A cursory online search will produce dozens of results for “quick and easy” DIY dent repair kits, and handfuls of videos showing how it’s done. For some easy-to-access indentations, these kits work just fine. However, in many cases, it’s not the dent that’s the problem, but it’s getting to the dent that is the real issue. Oftentimes, getting access to the underside of a dent involves removing pieces of interior paneling. Without the right tools and know-how, this can prove to be a real problem for even the most determined do-it-yourself mechanic. Unfortunately, a “quick and easy” dent repair may also become and larger and more expensive problem when done wrong. With professional PDR, you can rest assured that the job will get done quickly and correctly.
In the end, whether it’s hailstones, shopping carts, or even a wayward baseball, your vehicle is bound to collect a dent or two. And when it does, go see Eustis Body Shop for all your paintless dent repair needs. Visit our PDR page to find out more, get a quote, or make an appointment. Or simply stop in at any of our six locations across Central and Eastern Nebraska.