The Difference Between PDR And Traditional Auto Body Repair
Paintless Dent Repair, or PDR, is a popular alternative to traditional auto body repair. It’s a faster, cheaper service that can help save you money on your insurance deductible. Traditional bodywork entails sanding, body filler or putty to cover dents and then painting the area to match the color of the rest of your car. It is time-consuming and expensive and can impact your vehicle’s resale value.
Cost
The cost of PDR can vary, but it’s typically cheaper than traditional body repair. Body shops usually charge for sanding, filling in blemishes with putty/body filler, and priming & painting, which can add up quickly. PDR repairs dents and creases without using fillers or sanding, which makes it a more environmentally friendly and affordable option. Plus, it can keep your car looking great and maintain its resale value. However, dents aren’t always eligible for PDR, and the cost can increase depending on the size of the dent or crease. Technicians often describe the extent of dents in terms of coins, such as a dime, nickel, or quarter. Larger dents, or those close to the edge of a panel, can be more difficult to fix and may require additional work or tools. Also, some types of metal cannot be repaired with paintless dent repair, such as double-walled panels or sharp creases that compromise the integrity of the sheet metal.
Time
Paintless dent repair Aurora CO is the most cost-effective, quickest, and environmentally friendly way to repair dents. It removes creases, dings and dents from vehicles without using fillers, sanding or painting—instead, the metal returns to its original shape. The result is a spotless appearance that doesn’t affect the resale value of your car. The process begins with a technician analyzing the damage. They determine the best pathway to access the back side of the dent. It may involve removing trim pieces or inner panels, depending on the location of the damage. They then use specialized tools to massage the metal back into place. The dents and dings disappear as the metal becomes more flexible. However, this type of auto body repair is not appropriate for all dents and dings. Some of them may be too deep or close to the edge of a panel. Also, this technique isn’t suitable if the paint is cracked or scraped.
Aesthetics
Dents and dings are a part of life, and restoring your car’s appearance doesn’t have to be expensive. Many professional body shops offer paintless dent repair, a more affordable option than traditional auto body work. However, it’s more complicated than those infomercials that make it look to perform this repair independently. It takes time to learn the trade and requires special tools. If you don’t have the time or patience to practice it, then hiring a technician is the best way to get your car looking its best. Traditional body shop repairs involve removing the damaged panel and using a heat tool to reshape the metal. They then apply a body filler, sand it down, and repaint the area. Due to the additional labor and materials, this process is often more costly than paintless repairs. However, they can address dents that are too large for paintless methods. Additionally, they can restore dings and dents that are in hard-to-reach places.
Safety
Paintless dent repair is much safer than traditional repairs because it uses glue and special tools to massage the damaged metal back into place. It also doesn’t require any sanding or harsh polishes, which can damage your car’s original factory finish. Another advantage of PDR is that it’s a more environmentally friendly procedure than traditional repairs, which use fillers, primers, and paints. It’s also a quicker repair process, which can save you money. Keep in mind that not all dents are eligible for PDR. It’s best for minor dents caused by hail, collisions with shopping carts in parking lots, and other small bumps. It won’t work for deeper dents or any damages that affect your car’s structural integrity. Your auto body technician can help determine whether your injury qualifies for PDR. Also, make sure you ask if your insurance will cover your repair. If not, it’s a good idea to consider other options.