FAQ About PDR - Paintless Dent Repair

---

PDR or Paintless Dent Repair was first developed some time ago and used by Mercedes Benz in the Fifties to remove small dings from cars that were on the assembly line. PDR was limited in its application back then because the paints used were not as tough and flexible as those used today. PDR is the process of patiently massaging the dent from the back of the panel (sometimes from the front) until the damage is gone.

The most important benefit is QUALITY.  PDR is as close to the dent never happening as you can get. No grinding, Bond-o, fillers, primer or paint is used because your factory paint is not disturbed. There are no problems with filler or paint shrinkage months after the repair, as is common with typical body shop repairs. Cost is another MAJOR benefit to using PDR as apposed to the body shop. The typical body shop estimate for a small dent ranges from $350 to $500, or higher. The same dent can usually be repaired for $79 to $99 using PDR. Time savings is yet another advantage. Most dents can be repaired in about an hour whereas body shops can take days for even minor damage to be completed.

No. Today's automotive paint is highly flexible and durable. When PDR is performed by a competent technician, the paint is in no way damaged. PDR is the ONLY way to repair dents and still keep the factory paint. 

On most minor dents, YES. The deeper the dent, the harder it is to repair. Even on larger dents, most people are amazed at the results. We will always explain, in detail, how the dent will look before the repairs are performed.

Absolutely not. Once a dent has been properly removed using PDR, paintless dent removal, it NEVER comes back. Most dents repaired using conventional methods (body shop) develop rings or “sand scratches” 3-6 months after the repair. This is NEVER the case with properly performed PDR. 

The most important factors in determining if a dent can be repaired using PDR are depth and location. Dents the size of a soft ball or larger can be repaired successfully as long as they are not too deep. On the other hand, some dents the size of a dime but very deep cannot be repaired because the metal is too stretched. Cracked paint can also be an indication that the damage is too deep. The most common dents fixed are the size of a golf ball and under. 95% of minor dents can be repaired. About 5% of minor dents can't be fixed due to depth or location. Areas such as some quarter panel opening lips, some forward areas of heavily braced hoods, or the very edges of some panels are examples of bad locations. 

We sure can. We can remove those dents for a lot less than you would be charged for "excessive wear and tear” on your vehicle's exterior. If your lease is up soon give us a call, you'll be glad you did. 

Yes. If you have more than one minor dent on a panel, we can generally include those dents for very little extra depending on the sizes and number of dents. If your car has a lot of minor dents, we offer a "per car price" that is very reasonable. 

New Image Car Enhancement specializes in MINOR damage repair. Most of the time small dings and dents can be removed for a price that is LESS than your deductible. However, in the event there are multiple dents or larger damage we will absolutely work with your insurance. Do not be fooled by claims representatives that tell you that you HAVE to take your vehicle to a shop they recommend. This practice is called “STEERING” and is ILLEGAL. You have the right to choose which company repairs your vehicle and your insurance company must comply with your wishes! New Image will coordinate with your insurance company and handle the leg work, its even easier than at the body shop!

Ever hear the saying "Image is everything"? Most people judge a car by its appearance. If it looks good they assume it has been well taken care of. Used car dealers and wholesalers know this. They also know what they spend on PDR - paintless dent repair will make them many times over what they spend, and will help them sell the car quicker. If you're selling your car, PDR is one of the best ways to get top dollar, more interested buyers, and a quicker sale.