Car Body Work Archives - Total Collision & PDR Repair Shop

PDR as Paintless Dent Removal For All Cars

Paintless dent removal (PDR) history

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a technique for removing dents, dings, and creases from the body of a vehicle without the need for traditional bodywork methods. The process involves using specialized tools and techniques to massage the metal back into its original shape without the use of paint or body filler. Here is a brief history and development of Paintless Dent Removal up to 2023.

The origins of PDR can be traced back to the 1930s when a group of auto body technicians in Germany developed a technique for removing dents from the body of luxury vehicles. The technique involved using a metalworking spoon and a wooden mallet to carefully massage the metal back into its original shape.
In the 1960s, PDR was introduced in the United States by a Japanese technician who had learned the technique while working in Germany. The technique gained popularity among auto body technicians who were looking for a faster, more efficient way to remove dents from cars.
In the 1980s, PDR started to become more widely used in the automotive industry. This was due in part to the introduction of new tools and techniques, such as the use of glue and tabs to pull out dents, which made the process even more efficient and effective.
In the 1990s, PDR continued to gain popularity and was increasingly used by insurance companies to save money on repairs. This was because PDR is often less expensive than traditional bodywork methods and can be completed more quickly, reducing the amount of time a customer needs to be without their vehicle.
In the 2000s, PDR became even more advanced, with the introduction of new technologies like LED lighting and digital imaging that allow technicians to see dents more clearly and work with greater precision.
By 2023, PDR has become a standard practice in the automotive industry, and is widely used by dealerships, auto body shops, and insurance companies. The process has continued to evolve, with new tools and techniques being developed to make PDR even more efficient and effective. For example, some technicians now use high-tech sensors and cameras to detect and diagnose dents, allowing for even greater accuracy in the repair process.

Overall, PDR has come a long way since its early beginnings in Germany in the 1930s. Today, it is an essential part of the automotive repair industry, and is helping to make car repairs faster, more efficient, and more affordable for both consumers and businesses alike.

pdr-paintless-dent-removal-bmw

How does PDR work and PDR process

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a technique used to remove dents, dings, and creases from the body of a vehicle without the need for traditional bodywork methods. Here is a description of the PDR process and examples of how it is done on cars, trucks, or buses.

Assess the Damage: The first step in the PDR process is to assess the damage to the vehicle. The technician will carefully inspect the dent or ding to determine its size, location, and severity. They will also evaluate the accessibility of the damaged area to determine if PDR is a viable option.
Gain Access to the Dent: To perform PDR, the technician needs to have access to the backside of the dent. They may need to remove interior panels, lights, or other components to gain access to the damaged area.
Apply Pressure: Using specialized tools, the technician will gently massage the metal back into its original shape. This process involves applying pressure to the metal from the backside of the dent, using a series of pushing and pulling motions to carefully manipulate the metal.
Use Glue and Tabs: In some cases, the technician may use glue and tabs to pull out the dent. This involves applying a special adhesive to the damaged area and then attaching a pulling tool to the tab. The technician then uses the tool to gently pull the dent back into its original shape.
Check Progress: Throughout the process, the technician will check their progress to ensure that the dent is being properly manipulated. They may use a specialized light or a reflection board to help them see the dent more clearly and determine if it has been fully removed.
Polish and Clean: Once the dent has been removed, the technician will polish and clean the area to restore the vehicle’s appearance. They may also touch up any paint damage that occurred during the dent removal process.

Examples:

A common example of PDR on a car is removing small dents caused by hail damage. The technician will use specialized tools and techniques to massage the metal back into its original shape, often without the need for painting.
On a truck, PDR can be used to remove dents and dings from the sides or rear of the vehicle caused by collisions or backing up into objects.
For buses, PDR can be used to remove dents and dings on the sides or roof caused by low-hanging branches, collisions, or other accidents. The process is similar to that used on cars and trucks, but may require specialized tools and techniques to reach certain areas.
Motorcycles: PDR can be done on motorcycles to remove dents from gas tanks, fenders, and other body parts. The process is similar to that used on cars and trucks, but may require specialized tools and techniques to work with the smaller, more intricate parts of the motorcycle.
RVs: PDR can be done on RVs to remove dents and dings caused by low-hanging branches, hail, or collisions. The process is similar to that used on cars and trucks, but may require specialized tools and techniques to reach certain areas on the larger vehicle.
Boats: PDR can be done on boats to remove dents from the hull or other parts of the body. The process is similar to that used on cars and trucks, but may require specialized tools and techniques to work with the different types of metal used in boat construction.
Airplanes: PDR can be done on airplanes to remove dents and dings from the fuselage, wings, and other body parts. The process is similar to that used on cars and trucks, but may require specialized tools and techniques to work with the different types of metal used in aircraft construction.
Industrial equipment: PDR can be done on industrial equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery to remove dents and dings caused by collisions or other accidents. The process is similar to that used on cars and trucks, but may require specialized tools and techniques to work with the thicker, heavier metal used in industrial equipment.

Overall, PDR can be done on a wide range of vehicles and equipment to remove dents and dings and restore their appearance. The process may vary depending on the type of vehicle or equipment, but the principles of using specialized tools and techniques to massage the metal back into its original shape remain the same.

How to do PDR yourself?

It is possible to perform PDR (Paintless Dent Removal) yourself, but it requires specialized tools and techniques, as well as some level of skill and experience. Here are some general steps and tips for doing PDR yourself:

Assess the Damage: Before attempting to remove a dent, you should carefully assess the damage to determine if it is something you can fix with PDR. PDR is generally effective for small to medium-sized dents that do not involve any paint damage. If the dent is too large or has damaged the paint, you may need to seek professional help.
Gather the Tools: To perform PDR, you will need specialized tools such as a dent puller, a glue gun and glue sticks, a metalworking hammer, and a body filler. You may also need a reflection board or light to help you see the dent more clearly.
Gain Access to the Dent: To perform PDR, you will need to access the backside of the dent. This may require removing interior panels or other components that block your access to the damaged area.
Use the Dent Puller: The dent puller is a tool that allows you to pull the dent out from the backside. You will need to attach the dent puller to the center of the dent, then use it to pull the metal back into shape.
Use Glue and a Glue Puller: If you cannot access the backside of the dent, you may need to use glue and a glue puller. This involves applying a special adhesive to the damaged area, then attaching a pulling tool to the glue. You can then use the pulling tool to pull the dent out from the front side.
Work the Metal: After pulling the dent out, you may need to work the metal using a metalworking hammer and body filler to smooth out any remaining imperfections and restore the surface to its original shape.

Note that doing PDR yourself requires practice and skill. It is a delicate process that can take time and patience to master. If you are not confident in your ability to perform PDR yourself, or if the damage is severe, it is best to seek professional help. A professional PDR technician will have the experience, knowledge, and tools necessary to perform the repairs effectively and safely.

What type of vehicle PDR can be done?

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) can be performed on a wide range of vehicles, including:

Cars
Trucks
Motorcycles
SUVs
Vans
Buses
RVs
Boats
Aircraft
Industrial equipment

PDR can be used to remove dents and dings caused by a variety of factors, such as hail damage, minor accidents, and door dings. It is a popular choice for vehicle owners who want to restore their vehicles to their original condition without the need for extensive bodywork or painting.

Note that the ability to perform PDR on a particular vehicle may depend on the location and severity of the dent. PDR is typically most effective for small to medium-sized dents that do not involve any paint damage. If the dent is too large or has damaged the paint, PDR may not be a suitable option, and traditional auto body repair methods may be necessary.

pdr-types-of-cars

What type of cars? is PDR works for all cars?

PDR can be performed on a wide range of car makes and models, from economy cars to luxury vehicles. Here are some good examples of car brands that can benefit from PDR:

Honda: Honda is a popular car brand that is known for its reliability and affordability. PDR can be used to remove dents and dings caused by minor collisions, hail, and other types of damage that can occur over time.
Toyota: Toyota is another reliable and affordable car brand that can benefit from PDR. PDR can be used to remove dents and dings from Toyota cars caused by hail, minor accidents, and other types of damage.
Ford: Ford is a popular car brand that includes a wide range of models, from compact cars to full-size pickup trucks. PDR can be used to remove dents and dings from Ford cars caused by hail, minor accidents, and other types of damage.
BMW: BMW is a luxury car brand that can also benefit from PDR. PDR can be used to remove dents and dings from BMW cars without the need for expensive bodywork or painting.
Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz is another luxury car brand that can benefit from PDR. PDR can be used to remove dents and dings from Mercedes-Benz cars, which can help to maintain their value and appearance.

Overall, PDR is a versatile repair method that can be used on a wide range of car makes and models. Whether you own an economy car, a luxury vehicle, or something in between, PDR can help to restore the appearance and value of your car.

Tesla Authorized BodyShop

Tesla CEO

Elon Musk (Tesla CEO) announced at a June 6, 2018 shareholder meeting that he expects Tesla to have at least the top 10 metro areas in the U.S. serviced by its company-owned body shops by the end of June.
Tesla announced about a month ago that it would be opening its own body repair shops in response to the long wait times Tesla owners have experienced at traditional third-party shops.

Musk said he hopes that the new body shops will reduce the cost and time spent on repairs. Customers have been reporting the issue of excessive wait times for a substantial amount of time, some claiming that repairs have taken months to complete.

“We think that we might be able to do same-day body repairs for all of them,” Musk said during the shareholder meeting. “It’s definitely possible, so we want to aim for at least some number of repairs to be same day.”

Tesla and body repair shops (bodyshops)

The automaker has had a difficult relationship with body shops. Tesla owners have been complaining about repair time after accidents for a long time, but it came back to the forefront of Tesla news in 2017.

It can sometimes take months for repairs to be completed.

Tesla placed the fault on its third-party body shops, and the body shops were saying that it’s Tesla’s fault due to part delays.

At that time, in order to address the situation, Tesla moved some of its training programs online, and it looked to certify more equipment in order to expand options for repair shops to be certified to work on Tesla vehicles.

After the changes, the automaker said it was “adding 300 body shops to its network.” These body shops had to make significant investments in training their technicians and buying equipment to serve Tesla owners.

Despite those initiatives, Tesla owners have still reported some long wait times with third-party body shops. In 2019, Tesla said that it would launch its own in-house “Body Repair Centers” to try to reduce repair time.

Total Collision & PDR and Tesla bodywork

At our shop we are certified with Tesla Body Shop Network. Bring your Tesla Model Y, Model 3 and other for PDR service of full body-shop service. Refer to Tesla website for more information https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/support/body-shop-support

Chicago Body Shop

Pick Chicago Body Shop & You Won’t Regret This!

If your vehicle is damaged during a collision, there’s a good chance you will need the services of Сhicago Body Repair shop. Of course, there are many of them in Chicago and around, but just a few are worth your trust and money. Even if you don’t know what sort of repair you will need and the services you should ask for, Total Collision & PDR auto body shop in Arlington Heights can help.

What Makes You Call Total Collision & PDR?

Let’s suppose you are involved in an accident. Should you call the Chicago body shop or the insurance company first?

During business hours, it is recommended to call Auto Body Shop first. They can run through the situation with you and give you quick advice on your next steps. After business hours, there is a sense in contacting your insurance company to start the claim. Then, sending Body Shop an email or leave a voicemail. Don’t worry, the professional team will reach you as soon as possible on the next business day. Chicago Body Shops usually work with all insurance companies. No matter who you are insured with, you can have your vehicle repaired.

Do they have a satisfaction guarantee?

Body shops offer a lifetime warranty on all work they do. They have extremely high customer satisfaction and many of their customers are amazed by the quality of repair works. If you do have any problems with your repair, please contact the nearest Chicago Body shop in the Chicago greater area.

Auto Body Shop VS Auto Repair Shop: What’s The Difference?

Who better to ask for help than your local auto body shop? People, who hear about local body shops often wonder – what exactly is an auto body shop? Or it is better to take your car to a regular repair shop to fix a paint scratch?

Know What Your Car Needs

Vehicles are a complicated and necessary part of everyday modern life. Most people choose to just drive their car without learning how they work and what they consist of. But only if you really know your car you can understand the difference between these two helpful services.

In short, your car has two basic divisions: the engine, and the body. The engine is the power of your auto that makes the body move. On the other hand, the car body holds the engine, passengers, and everything else.

A typical auto repair shop will fix engine complete units, whereas a body shop fixes the body: frame, doors, windows, bumpers, mirrors, etc. These parts aren’t involved mechanically in powering the vehicle or bringing it to a stop.

What Total Collision Center Provides

An auto body shop repairs damage to the exterior and non-moving parts.
Restores vehicles after minor or major collisions
Repairs dents in the sheet metal
Restores paint and repaints to match factory colors
Replaces bumpers, damaged body panels, and other components that are not related to engine
Repairs or replaces mirrors, glass

What Auto Repair Shops Do

An auto repair shop performs regular maintenance and repairs moving parts.
Replaces brakes
Replaces other parts that wear out during normal driving
Performs oil changes
Repairs engine components
Repairs other moving components of the vehicle

The Most-Requested Services From Total Collision & PDR

Collision Car Repair

The company works with all auto insurance companies both in Chicago and greater areas and is a preferred insurance provider for many. They repair cars of all brands and models, from Audi to Volvo.

The company’s goal for collision repair is that after the repairs are complete, your vehicle will look as it did prior to the collision, and be equally as safe. With professional collision repair techniques and equipment, your vehicle should seem as if the damage never happened. Collision experts ensure the frame, body panels, paint, and any other affected parts are up to standard before a repair is complete.

Auto Body Painting

Don’t worry about your car’s original color. Chicago Body Shop uses PPG water-based paint for true color matching and carefully blends the correct shade for each job individually. A single-vehicle can easily have 20 or 30 different shades of paint, making a perfect match a highly skilled achievement.

The service has been spraying PPG paint products for many years and it has always been at the forefront of new technology and products to ensure the best possible color matches. Professional painters are PPG factory trained and certified, and stay current in an ever-changing world of automotive refinishes.

Your vehicle’s new paint will be applied and set in a specialized paint booth with great care taken to ensure the new paint is applied exactly where it is needed and other areas are left untouched.

Paintless Dent Repair

Small dents often happen. Many smaller dents, including most light hail damage, can be removed using paintless dent repair, or PDR. Because the body panel does not need to be replaced or repainted, PDR is a faster and more affordable option.

The key criteria for a PDR are whether the paint was damaged or cracked by the impact. If the paint surface is broken, you are recommended to use traditional repair techniques. Typically, PDR-repairable dents will be on the smaller size, but sometimes large, “soft” cave-ins can also be repaired using PDR methods.

Main advantages:

PDR does not require a report to insurance!
Most PDRs are completed in just a few hours
Highly experienced on-site technician at Total Collision & PDR shop

How Long Will Repairs Take

The repair time will depend on the extent of the vehicle damage. Paintless dent repair is usually done within a few hours at most, while extensive damage can take a week or longer to fully correct. Chicago Total Collision will first look at the damage and contact you as soon as they have an estimate of the work needed.

Their specialists will keep you up to date during repairs and let you know immediately when repairs are finished.

Why Pick Total Collision & PDR In Chicago Area?

Service of cars of different brands
High-quality service
Original supply and repair parts
Transparent pricing
Guarantee for spare parts and services

The company provides everything you need to get the job done, from protective coatings to high-performance paint systems, bodyshop consumables & bodyshop equipment. They pride themselves on getting the job done right the first time every time.

Car Dent Repair: DIY VS Professional Methods

Many people used to spend money for professional help instead of using one of popular DIY car dent removers. What do you think about it? What kind of help do you prefer? Does DIY repair actually work? In some cases it really works, but you need to learn more about all possible ways of removing dents with your own hands. It is important to realize why dent pullers work so, which one to use and what technique is best. If you feel you are weak in knowledge about dent removal, you can call for PROFESSIONAL car dent repair .

DIY Repairs

However, there are two basic dent removal kit types that are available for everyone:

suction dent pullers
glue dent pullers

SUCTION Car Dent Repair – These work by attaching to your car with suction, allowing you to pull dents and dings out. They work very much same way as a toilet plunger.

GLUE Car dent Repair – Glue dent pullers are a little different. Basically, you glue a flat pulling tab into the dent and allow the glue to dry somewhat so that you can pull it out. The problem with this method is that you need to make sure beforehand that the glue is not going to make your car even more damaged that it was before.

How To Use Diy Kits

Follow these instructions for doing a DIY car dent repair at home:

1. Clean area

The first step is to clean the damaged spot and its surrounding area. Rub thoroughly after using a cleaner and then rinse the place with fresh water. Dry the place with a piece of cloth. Cleaning the area of dirt and possible paint scrapes will help the suction cup adhesive reagent to stick more firmly.

2. Apply adhesive

Then, connect the glue gun with the power and warm up the glue.

Set the dent puller according to the instructions on the package and then use the glue to the suction pads. Remember that you need to use only a thin layer of the adhesive.

Put the puller on the dent in a position that the center pad sits in the middle of the damaged area. Let the other pads clasp firmly around the edge of the dent. Hold them there for five minutes and then leave the puller there for six hours. It will let the reagent to dry and get attached to the dent very firmly.

3. Pull dent

Do it carefully!

Risks And Advises

Dent pullers only work on shallow dents on flat, flexible surfaces. They can improve the appearance of dents but probably won’t create a perfect finish. But these tools will not work on deep, angular dents or damage along the edges of bodywork. Dents in areas of thick metal will also be very difficult to remove at home. That’s why you need professional help!

Professional Car Dent Repair

Having doubts? Stop and do not attempt to use a dent puller on damaged paintwork – you may cause more damage to your car. Don’t risk creating something strange that it will be difficult to repair. Dent pullers have limited use and are not suitable for removing most types of dent. For large, deep or stubborn dents, always take your car to see a professional.

Make Sure Your Car Is In Good Hands

Look around! You may find many different car dent repair shops near you. Their prices and services are also different. One shop might give you an estimate for $500 while another wants $2 000 for the work. What’s the difference? Check feedbacks and try to find maximum information about one or another company.

If the company has served around your area for long, specializing in paintless dent repair and removal, try to contact them. It would be great if the team consists of reliable craftsmen that have already built a reputation of the best car dent repair service. They can fix automobile dents or dings at a fraction of what conventional body repairs cost, in a fraction of the time. Paintless Dent Repair is a modern technique that is able to remove most dents, door dings and any hail damage on your vehicle without the use of paint or messy body fillers.

What we (bodyshoptotal) DO

The company removes minor dents of your car, just as if your dent never happened.
Their repairs keep the factory paint, finish and warranty.
Dents are carefully and skillfully crafted out NOT covered up with filler and new paint.
They return your cars bodywork back to its original condition, retain its value and factory finish.
Flexible and convenient – smaller dents carried out at a time and location ideal for you.
You can call for mobile car dent repair and save your time
They use PDR car repair technique that you cannot use at home!

Benefits of PDR

Factory paint is as good as it gets. That’s great if you can trust to professional company and repair your car in such a careful way, good for your car and for the environment.

No color matching issues – because they work with the original finish, they guarantee no issues with paint matching or cracking / shrinking filler, which can be a problem body-shop repairs.

Maintain manufacturer’s warranty – any respray will not be covered by your cars corrosion/paint warranty, manufactures will only warranty factory paint, they will test the depth of the paint in the event of a claim.

Fast and convenient service – mobile repairs for smaller dents or larger dents can be tackled in our workshop in a matter of hours…not even days.

Cost effective – extremely popular PDR is generally cheaper than a good body shop repair by some way which makes it great value for money. Be wary of ‘cheap’ or shoddy body work jobs they will show.

Contact to our company! We can help your car! We have skilled specialist in Paintless Dent Repair and a workshop where we can carry out repairs regardless of the weather, tackle larger jobs or where the absolute highest quality is required. We have a comfortable waiting area, free wifi, TV and refreshments. Tell us about the damage to your vehicle, upload a few photos and we’ll get back to you with your estimate.

Mobile Dent Removal Service

What Is Mobile Service Dent Removal & How You Can Use It!

If you have a car, you know hot it is unpleasant at some point to get dents! How is it possible? Whether there was an unfortunate runaway shopping cart at the store, a careless car parked next to you, or even damage from hail, dents can damage your car’s exterior. So, you are tired of looking at large and small dents. Mobile service dent removal might be what you need!

Mobile dent repair is a simple and absolutely fantastic assistance for all drivers who have damaged automobiles. How does it work? Just call for the mobile service and make an appointment. A professional team drives to your place and uses their specialized mobile tools to take care of your dents. That’s so great you shouldn’t drive your car to other location, find a place for parking, wait for your car to be done, hoping you arrived in time and there is still enough time to finish your car to the end of the working day. Mobile dent removal service truly puts the convenience back into the customer’s hands!

Advantages Of Using Mobile Dent Removal Services

The first and the main thing that comes to your mind when you hear about using mobile repair services is It Fits Your Schedule! You don’t have to spend a week without your car and get to your job somehow. You’re able to schedule a time for the repair shop to come out and take a look at your vehicle before scheduling the mobile dent repair service. It’s very simple! The Auto Dent Specialists also may offer evening and weekend hours to repair your car. It’s up to you.

There are so many benefits of using mobile dent repair service. But let’s look through the main reasons why people usually call for the mobile help:

You don’t waste your precious time

You are a very busy person and always have too much to do. If you add one more thing to your MUST DO list, it looks like a real disaster. You just have no time to take your car to repairs. What is more, you don’t even have a free minute to sit down and relax for coffee. By having someone come to you to do the repair, you can carry on with your day without interference. When the technician is finished with the job, they’ll let you know by giving you a phone call or knocking on the door to let you know that the work is done. If it’s something they can’t do onsite, they’ll let you know and make arrangements for you to have access to a rental car until yours is finished. That’s so convenient!

Guaranteed quality

It often happens that you don’t get what you’ve paid for. Our mobile service dent removal gives you a guarantee to protect your investment of time and money. We offer a lifetime guarantee on all the repairs we do. For the length of time that you own the vehicle, you’re protected. Isn’t it a sign of a reliable deal? You don’t get stuck footing the bill for something that should have never happened in the first place. Although it’s a rare occurrence, it’s better to protect your repair work than take a chance and hope for better.

No difference

Calling for mobile service it’s like you get the same high quality work as you’d get it in the auto repair shop but for the short time. Modern people prefer quick and non-invasive services. You don’t want to spoil your day by inconveniences such as car repair services. As a rule, mobile auto repair service provides a superior level of service to their customers and offer a faster turnaround time. Because they’re offsite, they have a bigger commitment to getting the job done and moving on to the next destination. In order to profit from the services offered, they must get the work done quickly. You won’t have to wait on your vehicle nor will you need to make arrangements to pick it up when you rely on mobile dent repair services.

There can be even more advantages of using mobile repair services. One way or another, there are a number of advantages to hiring mobile technicians to complete vehicle repairs for you. You don’t have to leave work or home and this is the most important quality. What do you know about Paintless Dent Repair? You get excellent service and won’t even need to make arrangements to pick up the vehicle.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is recommended

Dents on your car don’t have to ruin your day. They can be easily removed. If you’ve never experienced PDR before and are looking for a way to restore the vehicle back to new condition FAST, you’ll want to call expert repair professionals. We’ll give you an estimate of repair costs BEFOREHAND so you know exactly what the out of pocket expense will be.

Ask for special client loyalty programs to save some money on reparation!

As for everything they have for clients! If the deductible is higher than you expected to pay and you’re considering having another company do the dent repair for you, don’t. The companies usually offer special programs that help you with up to $500 worth of repair costs. Just find the company you can trust to.

What The Best Mobile Dent Repair Service Offers:

That’s would be great if you could find the best company on your location.
Experienced and highly-trained technicians
Quick response time and same-day mobile repairs
Consistently high-quality repairs
100% satisfaction guarantee
Warranties on all repairs

Not sure which company to choose? Go online and learn more about our company and the whole process of reparation, insurance, and shops. You can’t live without your auto for long and it’s restored to like new condition. You don’t have to wait! If you want to have a vehicle that looks great like a new and fits the image you were trying to portray to others in the first place, call for mobile dent repair!

Hail Damage Repair

DIY VS Professional Methods

When the hail season strikes again, it is time for you and for all the car owners to look at the affordable ways to protect or repair your car. No doubts, hail can cause serious damage to your car, creating dents and scratches. Thankfully, you can find many different ways to repair hail dents. Most of professional technologies are affordable. Thus, it is impossible to imagine professional hail damage repair without a paintless dent repair. It really helps to recover your car from hail damage. But first, let’s find out how to avoid hail damage and how to fix your car without professional help.

How To Avoid Hail Damage

Hail damage is a terrible nightmare for any car owner. Try to avoid it! Protecting your car from hail you should:

Park your car in a covered or shade place, particularly in hailstorm season.
Make sure you park your car in a safe area if you are going to leave for long. It would be great if someone can check your car every day.

How Long Does It Usually Take To Fix Hail Damage?

Repair time depends on damage on your car. For the light or moderate damages, the repairs may take from 1 to 3 days. But for heavy damages, it may take you 2 to 3 weeks as that damages will needs body shop participation, for paint work and panel replacement. Sure enough, professional repair will take less time.

Hail Damage Repair At Home

If you are skilled and good at car repairing, you can try to fix your car on your own.

Using dry ice
Applying dry ice to the dent is an effective way for fixing hail damage. The huge change in temperature can force the dents to pop out. Everything you need is to move the dry ice around the damaged area to cool the area rapidly. Be careful as dry ice can damage your skin if you don’t wear special gloves when handling it. Fixing hail damage by dry ice can be a cool solution, but sometimes it can’t remove all of the dents. So in this case, you will need to do additional repairs or call to professional hail damage repair.

Using hot air
You can use a hair dryer to repair your car! Are you surprised? Just aim the hair dryer to the areas you want to fix, and wait until the dents even out. The ideal distance between the hair dryer and the car should be 2-4 inches. Watch out! While using a hair dryer, there should be an interval of 2 minutes. If the car’s paint starts discoloring, you should stop applying heat right away. Use a rubbing compound or wax to revise the paint color.

Using dent repair kit
For small dents on your car hood, a car dent repair kit may be a simple and inexpensive solution. You can easily find these kits at any local store or a special auto store. Each kit often includes a knockdown tool, a glue gun and many stems for different sized dents. You may be surprised at the way the kit works and the professional result it makes. But this is a solution for small dents only. You shouldn’t use it for deep, large dents, it is better if you take your car to garage.

Professional help
A professional job at a garage is recommended for large, deep dents or terrible damaged surfaces. What about the fee? The fee for fixing hail damage at garage is quite cheap and fast, but often requires a new paint job. Besides, you can compare professional services on your location and find the cheapest variant. If your vehicle needs professional hail damage repair, bring it in to any service for free auto body repair estimate. You’ll receive the assurance that their technicians understand the frustration of hail damage and possess the precision required to fix it correctly.

Professional Hail Damage Repair

As a rule, professional services regularly use paintless dent repair for hail damage. They often utilize this technique when repairing outer panel strikes or indentations that haven’t stripped paint from the vehicle. When hail hasn’t compromised the exterior panel’s finish, this repair technique can effectively remove surface imperfections without having to repaint your vehicle.

Depending on the severity of the damage, the technician will most likely extract any dents from your vehicle and remove surface imperfections. If the finish is damaged, the technician may still remove the dent to eliminate the need for body fillers before the vehicle is refinished.

That’s so great that modern services use the latest technology and specialized tools for hail damage, ensuring your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) or Body Filler

So, how do car body services decide which method to use? It really depends on how damaged the vehicle is.

PDR is ideal for removing small dents caused by hail damage. It’s also much cheaper and more eco-friendly compared to body filler, as there are no chemicals involved. Also, PDR is a good option if you’re looking to sell your car in the future, as painting and traditional dent repair methods can cause the value of your car to depreciate. Plus, PDR typically is a much faster process compared to body filler.

Body filler is optimal for repairing heavily dented vehicles. If hail damage has caused the vehicle’s metal to stretch or crack, then it will need to be repaired with body filler. In addition, if hail has damaged your vehicle’s paint, conventional methods will need to be used to repair the damage.

Any repair method must be an excellent choice for repairing hail damage of your car. But you may not know if it is the right option for you if you are not a specialist. If your car has severe damage, you’ll most likely need to have a trusted body shop repair the vehicle with body filler. Be sure to shop around to get an estimate on the cost of reparation.

Don’t forget about GUARANTEE! This professional option often attracts people to use professional help instead of DIY reparation. In the rare instance that you’re not 100 percent satisfied with the quality of your repair, simply return your vehicle to any location and the team of professional specialists will work to make it right.