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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?

Paintless Dent Repair is a process that uses specialized tools and techniques to remove dents from a vehicle in a minimally invasive way by trained technicians.

Why is PDR a better option for repairing dents than traditional bodywork?

Damage that can be repaired with PDR results in a better repair because no paint is removed, no body fillers are added, and the original paint is retained throughout the process of pushing, pulling, and massaging the panel back to its original shape.

Traditional bodywork requires grinding off the original paint down to the metal, then welding studs to the affected areas and using the studs to pull out the dent. Finally, the repair process involves grinding down the stud, applying body filler to level out irregularities, and priming & painting the area using a blending technique which helps to make it match as closely as possible with paint on adjoining panels, which can still be noticeable.

Is PDR expensive?

Smaller dents are generally less expensive to repair with PDR than conventional/traditional bodywork. With regard to larger more complex dents, cost may appear to be similar or in some cases may be slightly higher. When considering all factors, such as not having to make an appointment to drop off your car at a bodyshop for weeks, temporary vehicle rental, decreased value due to damaged paint and the need for repainting, along with Carfax reporting, Paintless Dent Repair is less costly in the long run.

Are repairs made by PDR reported to CarFax?

No. Repairs made with Paintless Dent Repair do not need to be reported to CarFax, as the metal and paint are manipulated back to their original condition without repainting, as if the damage had never occurred.

Why should I use PDR if I got a cheaper estimate from a bodyshop?

It's common knowledge that any repairs done at an auto body shop can diminish the resale value of a vehicle. Dealerships are good at telling if the car had previously been repainted through inspection and CarFax reports. Repainting a vehicle can also carry risks like mismatching of colors and the possibility of premature breakdown of fillers, primer, paint or clear coat layers.

How long does it take for Paintless Dent Repair?

Dent repairs are typically quick, oftentimes completed within an hour and usually less than a day. While there can be occasions that repair time may need to extend, these cases are rare and the job will still take considerably less time than bringing your vehicle to a bodyshop.

Do you need to work in my garage with the mobile service?

When weather permits, we can work outside and we actually prefer it. When the weather conditions are unfavorable, having a garage we can utilize can be really helpful. However, if you don't have one and the weather becomes an issue, we are more than willing to work out something and reschedule your appointment or select some other location where the repair work can be done.

Is PDR an option even if I was told by another company that it is not?

Absolutely! PDR technicians come in different levels of experience. Some may be inclined to only do smaller jobs for fast easy returns, and may not possess the expertise required to take on larger projects. We have been informed by numerous satisfied customers after we finish repairing a dent that they had previously been told by other PDR companies that their dents are not repairable. So if you're looking for a second opinion, give us the opportunity to reevaluate the damage for you. and let you know whether or not we can repair your dents.

Contact us today to evaluate your dents and provide you with a competitive estimate for repairs.

© 2025 by Detailed Dent Repair

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