FAQ
Questions about PDR
Everything you want to know about paintless dent repair.
- What is Paintless Dent Removal?
- Paintless dent repair, or PDR, is the art of removing a dent or ding from auto panels without the use of fillers and repainting. This is possible due to “memory” in today’s auto metals. PDR professionals leverage these properties of today’s flexible metals to massage them back to their original form. After accessing the backside of the damaged panel, the technician uses special lighting and a variety of tools to significantly reshape the dented panel to its pre-accident condition. If repaired properly, often the damaged area can be entirely restored — whether it be a common door ding, hail damage, or even a larger dent.See our before & after work →
- Will you work with my insurance company?
- Absolutely! It is very common to go through insurance with larger claims, especially hail damage. We work with your insurance company FOR you. When insurance quotes hail damage or other PDR related damages, chances are they quote a price half of what it takes to do a good repair. We hold them accountable and make sure they pay what is needed to do a proper repair.How hail damage insurance claims work →
- Does PDR work on severe hail damage?
- PDR is a great solution for many hail damage scenarios, especially when the dents are small, shallow, and the paint remains intact. However, for severe hail damage, a professional assessment is crucial to determine the best repair approach. In some cases, a combination of PDR and traditional bodywork may be the most effective solution. Consulting with a qualified PDR technician will provide a clear understanding of what can be achieved for your specific situation.More about hail damage repair →
- How does the PDR process not crack the paint?
- Assuming that the dent is a good candidate for paintless dent removal, today’s more flexible metals also require flexible paint. You can think of today’s paints as a marriage between rubber and color. Flex agents in the paint make PDR completely effective without any harm to the finish.
- What size dent can a PDR technician repair?
- A good rule of thumb for hail damage is 3 inches or less, or about the width of a credit card. Other factors are the number of dents per panel and the condition of the car’s finish. Any hail related dent damage that is bigger than 3 inches is most likely stretched and may require conventional repair methods or panel replacement. It is important to know that even skilled technicians have their limits.See the dents we repair →
- Can any dent be fixed by PDR?
- PDR is a great resource for the restoration of damaged areas on your vehicle, but it is not a “fix-all”. There are limits to the method, and sometimes damage is in need of more serious, conventional repair. Often, if the damage has cracked the paint or caved in the edge of the panel, it is likely in need of conventional body shop repair. We are able to recommend some trusted body shops if we are not able to assist you.PDR vs. a body shop →
- How much does paintless dent repair cost?
- Cost depends on the size, depth, and number of dents, where they are on the panel, and how accessible the back of the panel is. A single small door ding is often the most affordable repair, while creases, body-line dents, and full hail damage cost more. Because every vehicle is different, the best way to know is a free quote — send a few details or photos and you'll get pricing within 24 hours. For hail damage covered by comprehensive insurance, you typically only pay your deductible.See our pricing guide →
- How long does paintless dent repair take?
- Many small dents and door dings can be repaired in under an hour. Larger dents take longer, and full hail repair generally takes 1–3 days — compared to the 1–3 weeks a traditional body shop often needs. Every repair is scheduled by appointment, so we work around your week.
- Will paintless dent repair affect my car's value or warranty?
- No — that's one of the biggest advantages of PDR. Because we don't sand, fill, or repaint, your vehicle keeps its original factory finish. There are no replaced panels and no paint records, so your resale value and manufacturer's finish stay intact.See the benefits of PDR →
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john@dudesdentremoval.com
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