Maybe it was a small pebble from a passing semi on the interstate. It could have been a shopping cart in the parking lot. Whatever it was, though, now you have a dent in your car that needs to be fixed right away. In most cases, you have two options – work with a traditional body shop or work with a team that offers paintless dent and ding repair. Wondering if that sounds too good to be true? Paintless dent repair absolutely exists, and this innovative process means a chance to get that problem fixed and get your car back faster.
There is a third option, of course: leave those dents and dings alone. They’re small; what’s the problem? The problem is rust. If the paint is compromised and metal is exposed, rust has a chance to take hold, spread, and wreak havoc on your vehicle. Once rust gains a foothold, it does not let go easily. If left unchecked, it decreases the resale value and can even render your ride unsafe and unfit to drive. It’s best to take care of small issues before they become big problems. This is where paintless dent and ding repair comes in.
Understanding the Process
Paintless dent and ding repair is a unique technique that many people have used over the last few years. It works when a technician looks carefully at the damage done to your vehicle. Because it is not effective in every situation, this technique has to be applied only to that damage that it can effectively remove. They’ll assess where the dent is, how big it is, and how it can be accessed from behind the car panel. The good news is that 80 – 90% of all dents and dings can be repaired using this method. It’s perfect in situations where a small dent needs to be repaired. It even works for several small dents, as is usually the case with hail damage.
Once the technician has taken a closer look, the repair process can begin for most vehicles. He or she will gain access to the backside of the dent, which may mean taking off some exterior body panels or some of the lights on the outside of your vehicle. Then, using a special light board, your technician will figure out where to put specialized tools to help massage the dent out of the panel. Slow pressure will be applied, and the dent will be eliminated.
In most cases, paintless dent and ding repair can be completed on the same day, making it quick, easy, and inexpensive. Many insurance plans even cover the process, which could leave you with no out of pocket expenses.
How Does It Compare to Traditional Dent and Ding Repair?
The paintless process is actually a lot quicker and easier than traditional methods. In a body shop, the paint surrounding the dent would be removed. Then your dent would likely be filled with putty. That putty would have to dry and harden, then it would be carefully sanded down. A primer would be applied, then it would take some time to dry. After that, paint to match the original primer would be applied, then allowed to dry.
Eventually, a clear coat would be applied and allowed to dry. After that, the repair would be complete. The problem with a process like this one, though, is that it’s expensive, and it takes some time to complete. More than that, though, using a traditional repair method actually damages the value of your vehicle. Even if it looks great, the process itself causes your vehicle to lose some value.
Paintless dent repair techniques, though, don’t create that same loss of value because it maintains the integrity of the vehicle.
Is Paintless Dent Repair Worth It?
If your dent or ding can be repaired using this method, it’s absolutely worth it. The dent will never return, and you’ll protect the investment you have in your vehicle. There are times when the damage will be too severe to be fixed using this method. In the event that it is possible to use it, though, this is the best way to get rid of those dents and dings.
Hoping to find out whether paintless dent and ding repair is right for your vehicle? Give DentFX a call. We’ll evaluate your vehicle and give you an honest assessment of the situation. If this process is right for your vehicle, we’ll even give you a free estimate so you’ll know what it’s going to cost and how long it will be in our shop. Paintless dent repair can be the right choice for your vehicle, and we’ll help you figure out if it’s right for your situation. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.
