Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a frequent procedure done at autobody shops. It allows a technician to quickly remove car dents without having to do major work. Below you’ll learn more about this technique, if it lives up to the hype, and how an autobody professional does it.
Why Use PDR?
This process is often recommended because it’s much faster and affordable than traditional dent repair. It’s also less invasive and tends to last longer than other methods.
Besides this, the panel doesn’t need to be repainted. This will speed up the repair process and eliminate the accidentally mismatching of paint colors.
Does it Work?
PDR is an excellent option that’s quick and efficient. However, it’s mainly used with small or medium-size dents. Larger ones often need stronger tools to push them out and could indicate hidden damage that needs to be addressed.
Some tools used during the repair include:
- Panel hooks
- Braces
- Bend rods
These come in various dimensions allowing the technician to pick one that correctly matches the problem at hand.
How Long Does it Take?
In most cases, PDR will last about an hour. But, this time will vary depending on the dent’s size and how severe it is. If the issue is widespread, it could take about a day for your car to fully be repaired.
How is it Done?
To start, the technician will first check the dent to examine its position, size, and the best way to access it with PDR tools.
They’ll then come up with a method to best remove the dent. Often, this will involve them pushing a lighted rod through the back of the dent. Sometimes, the panels around it might need to be temporarily removed so they can do so.
Once the technician gets to the dent with the rod they’ll look at it from the back. This will give them a better perspective of the problem. After doing so, the expert will slowly start to push the dent out.
When they make certain that the dent has been fully pushed out, they’ll then inspect the other side to confirm it’s even and smooth.
Paintless dent repair is a useful autobody method that can quickly remove unsightly dents. If your vehicle has some, feel free to call Downtown Autobody in Rohnert Park. We’ll be happy to use this technique on your vehicle and to answer any other autobody car questions or concerns you might have.
