Will Paintless Dent Repair Work On My Car?

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Short answer: It depends on the type and extent of damage involved. You have to understand what paintless dent repair (PDR) actually is and how it works. Once you have a basic understanding of the process, you can estimate whether or not it’s a good option for your car.

You can also book an appointment with Chaney’s Collision Centers to find out if PDR is possible, or if you should explore other available options for repairing car dents.

What is paintless dent repair?

Paintless dent repair, also known as paintless dent removal, is a method for repairing dented car parts. It involves pushing the indented metal back into its original shape, while ensuring that the car paint isn’t damaged in the process.

Before the technician begins, they will first try to assess the damaged area and how to best approach it. They will either create a window opening or remove inner panels or trim pieces to see if the damage is “workable”.

After determining that a paintless dent repair is indeed possible, they will use specialized tools and start with the dent’s outer edge. The technician will then slowly and gently hammer the metal to its original state. Eventually, the dent will progressively get smaller until it disappears.

When the dent is fully repaired, you won’t be able to tell it was previously damaged. The surface and its color will seamlessly blend in with the surrounding area, as if nothing happened.

What are the benefits of paintless dent removal?

PDR takes skill and precision, as it effectively removes dents without having your vehicle go through invasive repair work. Done right, it offers numerous benefits such as:

  • Huge savings. Paintless dent repair spares you the need for replacement parts, body fillers, sanding, and repainting. Since it relies more on the skill of the technician rather than the use of materials, it costs significantly less than standard dent repairs.
  • Less waiting time. PDR offers the convenience of fast repairs, which lasts no more than a few hours on average.
  • You can sell your car for more. Vehicles that are put on the market with their original paint cost more than a repainted car. You also don’t have to worry about color-matching problems, since there is no repainting involved.

When is paintless dent repair NOT an option?

Even though it has its benefits, this method isn’t for everyone. We recommend assessing the damaged area and answering these questions:

  • Is the dented area sharp around the edges?
  • Are there visible signs of torn metal?
  • Is the paint inside or outside the dent scratched or cracked?
  • Is the dent located near the edge of a car panel?
  • Has the dented area previously undergone repair work?
  • Are the dents large?
  • Are there several small dents that overlap one another?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these, a paintless dent repair may not be a good option. Of course, you can always consult our experts at Chaney’s Collision to find out.