Paintless dent repair, also referred to with the acronym of PDR, is changing the auto repair industry. It is now possible to remove small dents from a vehicle body without paying for a paint job. If you own a vehicle with dents that are a couple inches in diameter or smaller, your ride is a candidate for paintless dent repair. Let’s take a closer look at what this repair approach is all about.
The Rise of PDR
PDR is best described as a restorative process that removes small dents from a vehicle’s body. While conventional dent repair is helpful when an automobile has significant collision damage, paintless does not require the use of paint as the areas repaired are comparably small. PDR involves the application of pressure to the dent’s exterior so it returns to its position prior to the damage. This approach is easier and more affordable as there is no need to paint the vehicle. As long as the dents are four inches in size or smaller or if the damage is more of a ding than a significant dent, PDR will prove effective.
The PDR Technique
If your vehicle’s dent is small and can be reached with ease, the technician will create pressure through a metal rod at the dent’s bottom so it can be moved back into place. If the site is difficult to repair, such as an area along the roof, paintless dent repair tabs along with a specialized glue formula might be necessary. The technician will add the material to pull up the dent from the body panel topside. This approach proves effective at getting out the majority of the dent. However, if there is any sign that there is still damage, the technician will ensure the area is properly tapped down and leveled out so it looks just right.
The precise and careful tapping of the area makes it easier for diminutive spots to blend in with the body as though the dent is not even present. However, only a professional auto repair technician should attempt this approach as an excess of pressure has the potential to cause elevated sections that compromise the clear coat as well as the vehicle’s paint, ultimately leading to chipping or cracking. So don’t trust any old autobody repair shop for your autobody repair. You need and deserve an automotive repair specialist who understands the subtleties of paintless dent repair.
Examples of When PDR is Ideal
A vehicle that has small dents or dings that look ugly or a vehicle with dents/dings that reduce its value are ideal candidates for PDR. As an example, door dings, shopping cart damage, hail damage and 4” dents or smaller can all be repaired with PDR. As long as the damage is not large in size, there is a good chance you can have PDR performed so you can bypass a potentially costly paint job. Keep in mind, if your vehicle was repainted in the past, it is that much more likely to suffer paint cracking and chipping.
Resist the Temptation to Push out the Dent
We are often asked if a dent can simply be pushed out by the driver. PDR is not DIY (do it yourself). Rather, PDR is a professional strategy for small dent removal. We know exactly how much pressure to apply so the dent does not worsen. Let us handle your paintless dent repair and you will be happy with the results.