Dent removal and repair
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Dent removal and repair
What is dent removal and repair?
Dent removal and repair is the reshaping of dented panels to return them to their factory state by utilising a number of different techniques and specially designed tools. Basic dent removal and repairs usually start with Paintless Dent Removal, or PDR for short, and move up to removing panels to reshape the metal back to factory appearance before reapplying paint if needed.
How to tell if you need a dent removal and repair
Looking at your vehicle under good lighting will highlight any dents on the panels of your vehicle. This can be done outside in bright sunlight or under powerful lights indoors. Dents can look like shallow divots in the panel, as well as creases or wrinkles along body lines. If you notice these symptoms, your vehicle could benefit from having dents removed and repaired.
How important is it to remove or repair dents?
Having dents removed is mainly dependant on how much you value the look of your vehicle. If you aren’t pedantic about how the panels look, it is possible to leave the dents alone and not worry about having them repaired.
However, having them repaired and returning the finish of your vehicle back to how it left the factory shows that you value how your vehicle looks. If any paintwork has cracked or chipped from damage, it is best to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent rust forming.
How are dents removed or repaired?
The most common way dents are removed is paintless dent removal, where the dents are ‘massaged’ from the underside of the panel to return it to a factory finish. If the dent is larger, however, the only way to carry out a repair is to remove the panel from the vehicle (if possible) and manipulate it back into shape. This often damages the paintwork, or the paintwork is already damaged from the initial impact that caused the dent, so repainting will also be required. Special tabs can also be welded to the bare metal and attached to a slide hammer to pull out large dents, but this also requires paint to be reapplied after the repair is carried out.
How much does a dent removal or repair cost?
Depending on the necessary procedures needed to remove the dents, pricing can vary widely. If it is a simple and easy dent to get to, paintless dent removal may cost you $150 or so per dent, but if removal of the damaged panel is required, or paintwork needs to be reapplied, this cost can jump into the thousands depending on your make and model and the type of paintwork your vehicle has.
Where can you get dents removed or repaired?
If paintless dent removal is all your vehicle requires, there’s a good chance you can have this work carried out by a mobile PDR specialist, meaning you can have the work carried out at your home or workplace. The added benefit of mobile PDR is that you are not left without your vehicle for days at a time while repairs are carried out.
If your vehicle does have more damage, your local panel repair or smash repair business will be able to help with quoting and carrying out the repairs. Many of these establishments have loan vehicles available for you to use while your vehicle is being repaired, as repairs can take a few days to carry out from start to finish if paintwork is required.
