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How Paintless Dent Repair Works

Often, we are asked how paintless dent repair works. We aim to answer this question and many more in the following article. We’ll explain how paintless dent repair works, how it differs from conventional dent repair methods, and why it’s a preferred choice for our family and neighbors in Fort Worth and the broader DFW area.

Posted for Next Gen Auto Hail Repair of Fort Worth, TX.

White Chevy Colorado came to Next Gen Auto Hail Repair for some PDR in Fort Worth and it looks great! The owner found out How Paintless Dent Repair Works and was able to make an informed decision that saved them time and money.
The Chevy Colorado owner discovered how paintless dent repair works saving them time and money!

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

PDR is a non-invasive way of fixing dents by carefully shaping the dented metal back to its original form while maintaining the vehicle’s professional paint job. Technicians use special tools to work the metal back into place, using just the right amount of pressure. It takes years of practice and loads of patience, but it’s rewarding to behold the results every time we finish a project. 

PDR is commonly used for small to medium dents that have not chipped or cracked the paint, making it perfect for hail damage repair, which is our specialty.

How Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Works

PDR uses specialized tools to carefully “massage” dents out of your vehicle’s body. Our skilled technicians at Next Gen Auto Hail Repair can restore the metal to its original shape by applying gentle pressure from behind and above the dent. Some dents take a lot more time and attention than others, but that’s all part of the process. Again, if the paint hasn’t been compromised, the repair is seamless and doesn’t require repainting, which saves you on repair time and additional money for the extra labor.

Here are some of the key steps involved in the PDR process:

    1. Assessment the Damage: Our technicians evaluate the size, depth, and location of the dent to determine if PDR is a suitable option for your vehicle. If it is not, we will help connect you to a traditional body shop we trust and can recommend with full confidence.
    2. Gaining Access: Depending on the dent’s location on your vehicle, our technician may need to remove panels or lights to access the reverse side of the dent (the underside of the metal) to make sure the dent is removed completely.
    3. Applying the Tools: Using tools with great precision, our Next Gen Pro Technician can gradually work out the dent, restoring the panel to its original shape so you are one step closer to getting back on the road in style!

PDR vs. Traditional Dent Repair​

When comparing paintless dent repair to traditional bodywork, there are significant differences in the scope, techniques used, and costs involved. Here are some main points to consider when looking for a dent repair shop near you:

  • Type of Damage: PDR is best for minor dents where the paint is unbroken, such as hail damage, door dings, or small creases. Conventional repairs, however, are necessary for more severe dents where the paint has cracked or the panel is severely crumpled. If you are uncertain whether PDR is right for you but are still curious if it could save you some money, come by our shop for a quick estimate. We will tell you if the damage is within our scope or refer you to one of our trusted colleagues for traditional repairs if the damage is beyond our scope of work. 
  • Repair Techniques: PDR relies on push-and-pull mending methods using specialized tools, while conventional repair methods involve sanding, filling, smoothing, and repainting damaged areas (there are some extra steps in there too, but we’ll focus on those in another article). The traditional body shop often requires more labor, time, and materials (paint, replacement parts, etc.), to refinish the bodywork before you get on the road again.
  • Cost and Time Efficiency: Since PDR does not require repainting or extensive labor, it’s typically faster and more cost effective than traditional dent repair methods. Our clients in Fort Worth often have their dents repaired within a few hours, making it a convenient solution for busy schedules.

Methods Used in PDR

Depending on the type of dent your vehicle has and the location of it, different techniques can be deployed to remedy the dent. This is another aspect of how paintless dent repair works:

Suction Tools: These are used primarily for round dents, where a suction device pulls the dent outward and upward. 

Pushing Tools: For deeper or larger dents, our pro technicians may need to access the dent from the underside by removing internal panels or trim pieces. Specialized rods and other tools are then used to push the metal back into place with remarkable precision.

Cost of PDR in Fort Worth, TX

The cost of PDR can vary based on factors such as size, depth, and location. Typically, repairing a small dent begins at around $125. Larger or more complex dents may incur higher costs, depending on the work required. Since many factors are involved in the pricing, it is best to bring your vehicle in to have it assessed. If we are sent clear photos, sometimes we can give our clients a ballpark estimate of the repair cost. 

At Next Gen Auto Hail Repair, we provide competitive pricing in Fort Worth and the surrounding DFW metro area. Our transparent estimates ensure that you understand the cost before any work begins, helping you make an informed decision about your repair needs and make a plan that works best for you and your family’s schedule.

How Paintless Dent Repair Works for Scratched Dents

Although PDR primarily addresses dents where the paint remains intact, it can also be effective for dents accompanied by minor scratches. As long as the scratch hasn’t gone through the paint layer, our PDR team can buff out the scratch after the dent has been repaired. In some cases, a small amount of touch-up paint may be applied to minimize the visibility of a deep scratch, but this is always discussed with you before any repairs are performed so you can choose the best option for your vehicle.

Benefits of Paintless Dent Repair

PDR offers several advantages over traditional dent repair methods, particularly for hail damage and minor dents. Here are some key benefits:

Cost-Effective: Since PDR doesn’t require repainting or body fillers, it’s more affordable than traditional bodywork.

Faster Turnaround: Most PDR jobs can be completed within a few hours, making it an ideal option for vehicle owners who need their car back quickly.

Environmentally Friendly: Without the need for paint or harsh chemicals, PDR is the eco-friendly choice.

Maintains Vehicle Value: Because the original paint remains untouched, PDR helps preserve your vehicle’s resale value.

 

Why Choose Next Gen Auto Hail Repair in Fort Worth, TX?

At Next Gen Auto Hail Repair, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch PDR services in Fort Worth and across the DFW metroplex. Our expert technicians are highly skilled in repairing hail damage, door dings, and other minor dents using the latest PDR techniques. With decades under our belts, we are thankful for the chance to change the automotive industry stigmas and provide exceptional service with a smile.

We offer:

Free, No-Obligation Estimates: We assess your vehicle’s damage and provide a detailed, transparent estimate so you are never surprised.

Experienced Technicians: Our team has decades of experience in PDR and uses the most advanced tools to ensure perfect results every single time.

Convenience: We work efficiently to minimize downtime so you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. We also work with your insurance to get you the best coverage possible so you get the most for your repair.

Understanding the PDR Process for Hail Damage

Fort Worth, TX, is no stranger to hailstorms, and vehicle owners in the area often find themselves dealing with multiple dents from a single storm. PDR is especially useful in these cases because it can restore your vehicle’s appearance without costly and time-consuming bodywork.

At Next Gen Auto Hail Repair, we specialize in large-scale PDR for hail damage, ensuring that even the most extensive damage is repaired quickly and efficiently. Our technicians are trained to handle all types of hail damage, from small dings to large dents, ensuring your vehicle looks as good as new.

We have an easy, no-hassle process to get your vehicle fixed fast. Interested? Follow the steps below to find out more.

Next Steps: Contact Next Gen Auto Hail Repair Today

Now that you understand the basics of how paintless dent repair works, click on this link to book an in-person appointment with our lead technician. In this quick appointment, we will look over your vehicle, answer all your questions, and assess the best next step for you (by the way, we don’t like pushy salespeople either, so we give you our Hassle-Free Guarantee that we won’t haggle you or try to convince you what the best option is. We just help you know your options and pick the best one for you).

You can also give us a call at 817-716-1726 to talk to our team and set up an appointment by phone.

Thanks for reading! We look forward to serving you and your family for all your dent repair needs!

— The Next Gen Auto Hail Repair Team

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