Auto Dent Removal
Determine the best method
Has your car sustained hail damage, been dinged by a shopping cart, or in an accident with another car? In all likelihood, you need some form of car dent removal. Auto dent repairs are one of the most common types of repairs in auto body shops. Depending on the placement of the dent, as well as if the paint has been damaged, there are several ways to fix it.
Hail Damage
The bigger the badder
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), it typically takes golf ball size hail (1.75 inch) to dent cars. Definitive laboratory studies of hail damage to vehicles are not readily available, but comparison of hail size reports to damage claims indicate that golf ball size and larger hail are responsible for most damage claims. (Source: NOAA/NWS)
As Bad as it Looks?
Hail damaged cars more often than not have multiple dents across the body, making it seem as though the cost of repairs will skyrocket, even if the car is insured. However fixing dents caused by hail may not be as expensive as you would think.
Paintless Dent Repair
A Cost-effective Alternative
Paintless dent repair is an inexpensive option used for dent repairs. More often than not, the vehicle's paint job lacks damage despite being pummeled by hail. PDR is a technique that uses a special set of paintless dent repair tools, which manipulates dents from behind and while still attached to the frame of the car. Extensive and specialized training is required for PDR technicians, and not all body shops offer the service.
Things to consider with Auto Dent Repairs
Where?
The location of the dent impacts how it can be repaired as well. If the dent is on the edge of a panel or panels are doubled, then it may require replacement.
Size?
Larger dents require standard dent repair, often requiring the removal of the panel. However smaller dents can be fixed inexpensively by a certified paintless dent repair technician.
Depth?
If a dent is too deep or extremely creased, paintless dent repair may be ruled out as an option.
Aluminum
or Steel?
Steel is easier to manipulate in comparison to aluminum. Often aluminum parts and panels are replaced, whereas steel can be more easily repaired.
Crease?
If the dent is excessively creased in a panel, it may require replacement versus dent repair.
Paint
Damage?
If there's paint damage, it automatically rules out paintless dent repair.
