PDR Archives - Total Collision & PDR Repair Shop

Hail Damage PDR repair

Hails History Chicago Area

Chicago, like many other cities in the United States, has experienced several instances of hail throughout its history. Here are some notable instances of hail in Chicago history up to 2023:

August 15, 1872: A hailstorm struck Chicago, causing extensive damage to property and crops.
June 25, 1923: A severe thunderstorm produced hail up to 4 inches in diameter in parts of the city, causing damage to buildings and vehicles.
May 2, 1954: A hailstorm with hailstones as large as golf balls struck Chicago, causing damage to homes and cars.
April 12, 1978: A severe thunderstorm produced hail up to 2 inches in diameter in parts of the city, causing damage to vehicles and buildings.
April 1, 1998: A hailstorm with hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter struck the Chicago area, causing damage to homes, vehicles, and trees.
August 6, 2019: A severe thunderstorm produced hail up to 2.75 inches in diameter in parts of the city, causing damage to cars, windows, and roofs.
August 11, 2020: A hailstorm with hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter struck the Chicago area, causing damage to cars, homes, and trees.

It’s important to note that hailstorms can occur at any time of the year, but they are more common during the spring and summer months when thunderstorms are more frequent.

How to Protect Car/Truck from Hail Damage?

Here are some ways that people can protect their cars or trucks from hail damage:

Find covered parking: If possible, park your car or truck in a covered area such as a garage, carport, or covered parking lot. This will provide the most protection from hail damage.
Use blankets or car covers: If covered parking is not available, covering your car or truck with blankets or a car cover can help protect it from hail damage. Make sure the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from blowing off in strong winds.
Seek shelter: If you are driving and encounter a hailstorm, try to find shelter under an overpass or in a parking garage. Avoid parking under trees, as falling branches could also damage your vehicle.
Use hail guards: Some companies make hail guards that can be attached to your car or truck’s windows to protect them from hail damage.
Install hail-resistant roofing: If you have a garage or carport, consider installing a hail-resistant roof to protect your vehicle from hail damage when it is parked.

It’s important to note that while these measures can help reduce the likelihood of hail damage, they are not foolproof. In severe hailstorms, even cars parked in covered areas can sustain damage.

Can I repair hail damage myself?

It’s doable but it requires the right tools, knowledge, and skills. The level of damage and the extent of the repairs needed will also affect whether it is possible to do it yourself.

If the hail damage is minor, such as small dents and dings, you may be able to use tools such as a plunger or suction cup to remove the dents. However, if the damage is more severe, such as large dents or broken glass, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional auto body repair shop.

Professional repair shops have the necessary tools and expertise to repair hail damage effectively, and they can ensure that the repair is done correctly and safely. They can also help you with insurance claims, which can be complicated for hail damage repairs.

While it is possible to repair minor hail damage on your own, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional repair shop for more severe damage.

How we do Hail PDR repair

At BodyShopTotal we use a technique called Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) to repair hail damage on cars. The PDR process involves the following steps:

Inspection: The technician will examine the car for hail damage and determine the extent of the damage. They will look for dents, creases, and other types of damage.
Access: To access the dents, the technician will remove any trim pieces or interior panels that may be in the way. This allows them to reach the backside of the dent.
Assessment: The technician will then assess the damage and determine the best method to repair the dent. They may use a variety of tools, such as metal rods and picks, to carefully massage the dent out from the backside.
Repair: Once the technician has determined the best approach, they will begin the repair process. They will use the tools to slowly push and pull the dent out, working carefully to ensure that the paint is not damaged in the process.
Finishing: After the dent has been removed, the technician will sand and polish the area to ensure a smooth finish. This step is crucial to ensure that the repair is invisible and that the car looks as good as new.

The PDR process is highly effective for repairing minor to moderate hail damage on cars. It is a quick and affordable way to restore a car’s appearance after a hail storm. However, for more severe damage, traditional auto body repair methods may be required, call us for details.

How to report hail damage to insurance?

If your car or truck has been damaged by hail, you should report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Here are some steps to help you properly report hail damage to your insurance:

Document the damage: Take pictures or videos of the damage to your vehicle from different angles. This will help you provide accurate information to your insurance company.
Contact your insurance company: Call your insurance company’s claims department or use their online claims portal to report the damage. Provide them with the details of the damage, including the date and location of the hailstorm, the extent of the damage, and any other relevant information.
Schedule an inspection: Your insurance company will likely schedule an inspection of your vehicle to assess the damage. Make sure to provide them with your contact information so that they can schedule a convenient time for the inspection.
Be present during the inspection: It’s important to be present during the inspection so that you can point out any damage that may have been missed. You can also provide the inspector with the pictures and videos you took of the damage.
Provide necessary documentation: Your insurance company may require you to provide documentation such as a police report or repair estimates. Make sure to provide them with any necessary documentation as soon as possible.
Follow up: Keep in touch with your insurance company to make sure that the claim is being processed and that you are receiving the appropriate compensation for the damage.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your insurance claim for hail damage is processed smoothly and that you receive the appropriate compensation for your losses.

Call BodyShopTotal and we will help your car or truck to look good again, even after Hail Damage!

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.

How To Fix A Small Dent In A Car Door?

When you see a new dent on your vehicle, you are amazed of how it got there. Honestly, there are many reasons for that. Different impacts produce different kinds of dents, and sometimes accidents happen. And if you’ve been into a bad hail storm, you can get a small surprise in a car surface. So, how to fix a small dent in a car door?

No doubts, any, even the smallest dents in your car can be disturbing. The vehicle doesn’t look good and it is really frustrating for you as for an owner. Even if you don’t know how it happened, you should know how to fix everything. But first, you should find out what type of a dent your car has. This information will help you to find the best repair option and you can answer the question How to fix a small dent in a car door easily!

Type of Dents Your Car May Have

Round Dents

These types of dents are common and are caused by different round objects. It can be a ball or a hail, hitting your car while your vehicle is stationary. These dents are usually wide and round but won’t damage the paint. You can try to fix the car door on your own of spend a couple of hours and take your car to the PDR station for fast fixing. Paintless dent repair is the best option to put your vehicle back into its perfect condition.

Creased Dents

Crease dents are also can be fixed with paintless dent repair. You can damage your car when something (a vehicle, tree branch, bicycle, trailer) brushes up and draws against the side of your car. These dents are long and deep to damage the metal in your vehicle. How to fix a dent in a car door? Fixing such a large dent can be challenging and needs professional help.

Sharp Dents

Sharp dents are caused by a hard usually small item. You can get them in parking lots by another vehicle’s doors, shopping carts, or subjects. Sharp dents sometimes leave a high spot with a deep scratch.

Extreme Dents

Extreme dents usually happen when your vehicle hits with something substantial at a quicker speed, or by a person just leaning on it. You can fix them with the help of special tools and experts. Not all issues can be repaired with paintless dent repair methods. If the body of your car has been damaged or you’ve got large creases and dents in multiple areas on your vehicle, you might require a bit more work done to completely get your car back to where you want it to be.

How to fix A SMALL DENT in a car door?

1 Step

Wet the surface

You should prepare the door surface for repairing procedure. How? You can make it wet and slippery with the help of a mix of soap and water. Cover the dent surface, ensuring that it’s slippery. Now, place a plunger in the center of the dent. Press it against the door panel gently to create suction.

2 Step

Pop the dent

The next thing you need to do is pop the dent out by pulling the plunger back gently. If you can’t do the properly the first time, try pulling harder. To pop the dent out of the panel, you need to pull harder. If the dent is still there, release the suction by sliding the plunger down. Once you’ve removed the plunger, rinse the soap off the door panel.

3 Step

Detach the door

Just open the door as wide as it can go. With the help of a special tool start removing all the screws from the door panel. Remember that there are screws below and above the door panels. You should also remove the screws from the inside pockets. You may take a flat screwdriver, then pop open the small circle or square covers.

Now, you need to pop the internal panel away from the door. You can do this by pulling it away along the edges. You also need to disconnect the door’s wiring from the back side of the interior panel. The wiring should be located behind the panel. Once you’ve disconnected it, you can lift the panel up, then pull it off the door.

4 Step

Peel the plastic sheet of the metal door frame

Keep in mind that strong adhesive keeps the plastic sheet stuck on the metal door frame. You need to peel it off. Remember to lay the door panel flat on a clean area, ensuring that the adhesive does not touch anything. In this way, you will still be able to reuse the plastic sheet.

5 Step

Push the dent out

Place your hand on the back side of the dent, then push it out carefully. If that does not do the trick, you can apply more pressure or even use a rubber hammer. Gently tap the dent out, putting the panel back into place. Once you’ve taken care of the dent, you can put the plastic sheet and the interior door panel in their original positions.

Of course, if the dent is more serious than you can handle, you have to drive your vehicle to a professional body repair shop. Knowing your budget and what type of dents your car has, you can save your time and get your car back soon. Taking care of little dents and dings on a vehicle is a simple matter. This type of damage may not require much work at all, even on a car’s aluminum and plastic parts. Nevertheless, people often ask How to fix a dent in a car door? Be ready for the situations that you may want to tackle. No matter what the reason for the dent is, professional repair shop can help you with your dent repair and dent removal needs. Find the best service near you available to repair your vehicle.

Paintless Autobody Repair VS Traditional Dent Removal

If you’re wondering what the difference between Paintless Dent Repair or PDR and traditional dent removal services are, you probably have problems with your car and in search of the right method of reparation. Some people prefer traditional auto repair methods which usually take much time. Others prefer paintless autobody repair methods which are popular nowadays. What is the difference? Let’s read about both methods and you’ll then be able to decide which service is right for you and your vehicle.

Traditional Dent Repair

Dents were typically pounded out of the body of a vehicle in the past. This traditional way of repairing cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs is costlier because it requires bonding, sanding, and painting repaired areas. It is best suited for major repairs where PDR is not effective. The reason why insurance companies don’t want to recommend this type of repair right away is because it costs more and leaves a greater out-of-pocket expense for customers. Many people can’t afford their deductible and leave their vehicle damaged until it rusts out. Traditional dent repair takes much time. Looking for the light and fast repairs, don’t ask for traditional methods.

Paintless Autobody Repair

Paintless dent removal or PDR is a fast, safe, method to remove minor and shallow dents from your car. It mostly effective to work on light damages! All repair shops have a professional specialist who specializes in paintless dent repair, helping to get your car repaired in sometimes only a few hours. That’s amazing!

This process offers true paintless bodywork to bring your vehicle back to original condition without the added expense of replacing body panels, sanding, priming and painting. PDR is a fairly simple process, but you cannot do it on your own. It is better to leave it to trained professionals. Nevertheless, there are products on the market that claim you can do this repair yourself. Don’t even try! You don’t want to void the manufacturer’s warranty on your vehicle. Paintless Dent Repair requires training and very specific tools. It manipulates metal back into shape without using traditional bonding, sanding, and painting. It allows technicians to remove small dents from painted sheet metal with ease. But remember that sharper dents may require traditional dent removal.

When Paintless Autobody Repair Can’t Be Used

There are cases when PDR cannot be used to repair a vehicle. This is the case when the metal body has been stretched by the damage. The same can be said about the paint. As long as it hasn’t been stretched, PDR is an option.

If either the metal or the paint has been stretched, traditional dent removal is the best option. Of course, it’s costlier than PDR and takes more time to complete. But if your vehicle isn’t a good candidate for Paintless Dent Repair, you’d better tale traditional methods. Otherwise, your car will never look well like a new. It is important to differentiate these two methods of reparation and define which one can be used. If you feel like you are not sure if the damages are sharp or not, call for specialist.

Why Insurance Companies Recommend Paintless Autobody Repair

PDR is the fastest way to get your car back on the road. Paintelss dent repair helps remove:

Hail Damage
Door Dings
Bodyline Damage
Minor Creases
Large Dents

It is recommended by insurance companies because it is inexpensive and a very quick repair service. It helps restore the vehicle’s manufacturer’s warranty which protects you, the driver, in the event that the car, truck, van or SUV is recalled. You won’t be stuck paying for additional repairs covered by the warranty. Of course, you can get a discount for reparation, but when shopping around for estimates, keep in mind that many repair shops do not offer this type of discount. Nor do they guarantee their workmanship for the duration that you own the vehicle.

Benefits of Paintless Dent Repair

The situations are different. It generally requires hail the size of a golf ball to damage and dent a vehicle. If your vehicle has been damaged by hail or otherwise has a small dent, here are some benefits of paintless dent removal. You should know the benefits to make the right choice:

1. Brilliant Result

Traditional repairs usually require the use of body filler and repainting dented and damaged areas. Using paintless dent repair will help maintain the vehicle’s value by restoring the car to its original condition, rather than adding tacky filler. There are no color differences in paint or issues with overspray because PDR doesn’t require the use of paint.

2. Fast Service

Compared to a traditional repair, PDR takes only a small amount of time to complete. Of course, if your car was caught in a hail storm and has dozens of dents to repair it might take a bit longer, however, the time will still be shorter compared to a traditional dent repair. For smaller dents, the entire process can be completed in only a few hours.

3. Cost Effective

Because of the low man hours for paintless autobody repair , there are much lower labor costs. In addition, you aren’t paying for extra materials like paint and body filler. PDR usually ends up saving loads of money compared to traditional dent repair.

4. Environment Friendly

PDR has no adverse effect on the environment. Traditional paint repair, on the other hand, releases chemicals and fumes from the body filler, paint, and paint thinner. These chemicals also have a risk of contaminating groundwater. With paintless repair there are no fumes, no chemicals, and no environmental risk. It is a right decision to use environment friendly methods if it is possible.

Think about how much time and money you’ll save by having the right technicians do dent removal for you. You don’t even need to waste time and take your vehicle to the shop because modern paintless autobody repair services have evening and weekend hours, mobile services. You can bring your auto to repairs or call for mobile specialists whenever it is convenient for you.