Paintless Dent Repair: Debunking Misconceptions
On days when you are eager to give your car a good scrub-a-dub-sub, you often come across a dent that leaves you wondering, “Where did I go wrong?” Most of the time, it isn’t you. Maybe it was the car parked next to yours and whoever drove it carelessly scratched their door against yours. Maybe it was the stray shopping cart in the parking lot or a fallen tree branch that peppered the hood. The possibilities that could’ve caused the damage are endless.
Repairing auto body parts usually involves stripping the paint down, applying body filler, and repainting an entire panel. However, as far as body damage goes, shallow dents and dings are no big deal. The simple solution to your problem is a miracle called paintless dent repair, a procedure that restores a car’s appearance to near perfection.
What is Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless Dent Repair or PDR is a method that involves reaching the bottom of the panel and pushing the dings out of a car. Accomplishing this procedure necessitates the use of a body pick or a metal rod, making it easier to reach and push the dented area back in place. In some cases, glues and other special tabs are utilized on the outside of the panel to clout the dent out. It saves time, costs and often insurance companies will recommend PDR for minor car damage.
Paintless Dent Repair at Airpark Collision Center
Customary dent repair methods involve filling auto body dents with body filler, which is then matched to the rest of the car’s exterior. While this process has the capability to make a vehicle look as good as new, it does not address the actual dent in a sustainable, long-term basis. If you are thinking of reselling in the future, it can also impact its overall value, and cause other dents — in your pocket.
The Process
Some indentations and dimples may require more advanced procedures, but for the most part, the process is as fast and simple as 1-2-3:
- Assess the damage
- Gain entry to the dent
- Apply slow pressure to work out the dent
With Paintless Dent Removal, there are no paints and fillers involved. PDR is an environmentally friendly repair method that restores your vehicle’s exterior to its factory-like condition. Aside from removing dents, it can also erase traces of body creases and hail damage.
As with most things, myths and misconceptions abound PDR. Listening to hearsay can inflict hefty damages to your car and savings, which is why you need to be aware of some of them and decipher the truth.
Myth #1: You can fix it on your own
When it comes down to it, breaking out the toolbox stashed inside your garage can repair some vehicular damages. While hardware stores and TV shopping networks also market paintless dent removal tools, you might want to avoid buying it because dents and dings are not as simple as flat tires or loose screws. You should keep in mind that buying an expensive kit which you may only use once or twice may be ineffective, and can result in more aggravation.
PDR is conceptually easy. In the purest sense, it is the practice of pushing and removing dents and dings from an automotive body panel without grinding, sanding, or painting. It sounds so simple that there are some who believe that the practice is achievable through DIY techniques accessible on the internet. However, risks like further distortion and scratching both sides of the body can occur, which is why it is recommended to get professional assistance instead.
The job entails careful and meticulous procedures to ensure that only the damaged area is pushed back in place, and only a professional with years of experience can save your car from the unfortunate mishap it suffered.
Myth #2: PDR is the solution to all automotive body distortions
Minor dents are salvageable through PDR, but not all automotive damages are within the scope of the procedure’s capabilities. Before your car undergoes the method of PDR, it must not suffer from the following.
- Deformation caused by hard collisions. Heavy and extensive damages will still require automotive body restoration and replacement.
- Dents that are inaccessible to the technician
- The paint on the distorted area must still be intact. Pushing the metal back to its original state will not repaint the damaged body of the vehicle. Luckily, manufacturers have become more innovative with the type of paint that they use. Paints are now resilient and are of better quality, thus, lessening the chances of chipping or cracking.
Myth #3: PDR takes too long to finish
Compared to conventional auto body repairs, there are fewer procedures to finish a PDR service. The process is quickly completed depending on the number of customers a shop has. In most cases, you can expect to claim your vehicle as soon as the following day. Smaller dents and dings may even be repaired within minutes.
Myth #4: All auto body repair companies specialize in PDR
Not all body shops are created equal; different facilities have varying specializations. Before taking your vehicle to an auto body repair facility, make sure to double check their local reviews. In a world engulfed by the internet, almost every brand, store or facility has a review or two floating online. Do your research before committing. Your car is a big asset, and it is important to leave it in the hands of professionals who will handle the repairs with utmost care.
Myth #5: PDR is costly
PDR is cost-efficient compared to getting a full auto body restoration. As mentioned above, the procedure has fewer processes compared to other services. Since PDR primarily focuses on small dings and dents, as long as the automotive paint is still intact, you do not have to worry about emptying your wallet. Little manpower and time are needed to achieve very good results.
Ultimately, it would be more convenient for you and your savings account to entrust dings and dents to a professional auto body repair shop. There are many knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced experts under the wing of Airpark Collision Center. They are all eager to make your car look and feel as if it is brand new all over again.
Read More: Why is Airpark Different from other Collision Repair Centers