The condition of a car says a lot about its driver. Sitting behind the wheel of a car that has sustained damage during a hailstorm, a fender bender, or a parking lot accident can be embarrassing. Thankfully, repairing the small dents that result from these kinds of events is simple and affordable. Read on to find out about paintless dent repair (PDR) and why it’s almost always the best choice.
Lower Cost
The primary benefit of PDR is that it’s more cost-effective than traditional repairs. Both the labor and material costs associated with PDR are lower than those related to conventional bodywork. The process is so affordable that almost any driver can take his or her car into the shop without worrying about breaking the bank.
Less Time
Conventional bodywork requires days, or sometimes weeks, to complete. Auto body mechanics must apply filler, sand it down, prime the patch, then apply at least one coat of expensive automotive paint, all of which takes time. Auto body shops that specialize in PDR can often have cars in and out in a matter of hours, not days or weeks.
Value Retention
A car is an investment and deserves to be treated as such. When a skilled mechanic corrects dents using PDR, it helps to retain the vehicle’s value. That’s because there’s no need to alter the factory finish, which means there’s no chance of over spraying or unintentionally choosing the wrong paint color. When the car gets out of the shop, it will look as good as new, helping to preserve its value in the event the driver wants to sell it someday.
Environmental Friendliness
PDR is a more environmentally responsible than traditional dent repairs. There’s no need to pollute the air with noxious chemicals from fillers, paint, or paint thinner, and there’s zero risk of groundwater contamination. In some cases, PDR can even be performed on-site without worrying about its impact on the surrounding ecosystems.
Long-Lasting Results
If the process is performed correctly, PDR leads to long-lasting results. There’s no need for repainting or otherwise altering the vehicle. When the car is returned from the shop, its dents and dings will be gone, and drivers can expect it to stay that way.
Great for Hail Damage
When a car gets left out in a hail storm, it can lead to substantial damage. Instead of one large dent, hail leaves many tiny ones. Thankfully, today’s automotive paint manufacturers have made great strides when it comes to ensuring that their products can withstand hail.
Since the paint is unlikely to sustain damage during even a serious storm, all drivers really need is to get rid of the dents caused by impact. PDR is a great way to get rid of multiple smaller dents so drivers can get their cars back quickly after a hail storm and continue driving them without worrying about the way a vehicle looks.
The Bottom Line
PDR is a quick, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to restore a vehicle with minor dents to its former glory. It can’t be used on all smaller dents. Larger ones may still need to be repaired using more-conventional methods. For those dealing with hail damage or dents from minor accidents, though, there’s no better option.
