Paintless Dent Repair
The PDR Process: What to Expect with Paintless Dent Repair
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What Happens When You Bring Your Vehicle In
When you bring your vehicle to A+ Dent Medic, a technician will begin with a visual inspection of the damage. We examine the shape, depth, and size of the dent to understand how it has affected the panel. We also evaluate where the dent is located on the vehicle, as this can influence whether paintless dent repair (PDR) is possible. A quick review helps us identify whether your car is a good candidate for this non-invasive repair method.
Next, we inspect the paint to ensure there are no cracks, chips, or stretching. If the finish is intact, we then check if there is adequate access behind the dented area. If all criteria are met, we’ll explain the paintless dent repair process and what you can expect throughout the repair. No pressure—just clear answers and next steps.
How We Determine if PDR is the Right Choice
Not every dent can be repaired with the paintless method. When a technician examines your vehicle, one of the first things they check is whether the back side of the panel is accessible. PDR works by applying pressure from behind the dent, so if there’s no way to reach it without removing major parts, the repair may not be feasible. The condition of the paint is another deciding factor—if the finish is cracked, chipped, or stretched, PDR is usually not recommended.
We use specialized lighting tools like light boards and reflection panels to analyze the surface. These tools highlight distortions and curves that normal lighting would miss. By illuminating the full shape of the dent, our technicians can determine how the metal has moved and which tools will be most effective for repair. This step is key in planning a clean, controlled dent removal process.
Panel material plays a role too. Aluminum and steel react differently under pressure, and we adjust techniques accordingly. We also factor in the dent’s location and how the surrounding area is shaped. If everything checks out, we’ll proceed with in shop PDR and explain the dent removal process clearly before any work begins.
Inside the Shop: Tools and Techniques We Use
Once a dent qualifies for repair, the PDR process begins. Our technicians start by accessing the damaged panel. Using thin metal rods, levers, and other specialty tools, they apply controlled pressure behind the dent. The goal is to slowly massage the metal back into its original shape without disturbing the surface paint. This process requires both precision and patience to avoid overcorrection or surface distortion.
If there’s no rear access, we may use glue pulling as an alternative. This method involves attaching small plastic tabs to the front of the dent using a special adhesive. Technicians then use a pulling tool to gently lift the dent back into place. Once complete, any adhesive is removed without affecting the paint. It’s a reliable solution for dents on structural supports or double-wall areas.
Regardless of the technique used, PDR is a non-invasive approach. There’s no grinding, filling, or painting. That’s why the dent removal process is so appealing—your factory finish stays intact, and your vehicle retains its original look and value.
Lighting plays a critical role in every step of the paintless dent repair process. Technicians use reflection boards to cast clean, even light across the surface of the panel. This helps highlight even the slightest distortion in the metal that might be invisible under shop lighting alone. Each adjustment is slow and calculated. One wrong push can stretch the metal or damage the paint, so precision and patience are key to avoiding overcorrection.
Tool selection also affects the final result. The PDR shop repair process involves dozens of rods, tips, and levers—each designed for a specific type of dent. Some tools have rounded tips for shallow impressions, while others are sharper for deeper dents. Matching the right tool to the dent’s shape, angle, and location makes the difference between a passable repair and a clean, nearly invisible result. Experience, touch, and judgment all come into play with every repair we do.
How Long Does Paintless Dent Repair Take
The amount of time needed to complete a paintless dent repair depends on a few key factors. Small dents—such as those caused by hail or minor door contact—can often be repaired in under an hour. These are typically straightforward jobs with easy access points, making them ideal for quick turnaround.
Larger dents or those located on more complex areas of the vehicle usually require extra time. Panels with structural bracing behind them, curved bodylines, or tight corners may take longer to access and repair properly. These types of jobs still fall within the scope of in shop PDR, but the dent removal process becomes more detailed. In most cases, we can still finish the work on the same day.
Customers are encouraged to bring their vehicles in early, especially if they want same-day service. Depending on the schedule, we aim to complete most PDR jobs before the end of the day. We always give a clear and honest estimate of the repair timeline before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
What the Final Inspection Looks Like
After the repair is complete, we begin a careful inspection process. Using the same light boards and reflection tools from earlier, we check the panel from every angle. This helps confirm that the dent has been fully removed with no lingering waves, high spots, or distortion.
We don’t rely on shop lighting alone. The reflection tools give a clear, precise view of the panel’s surface. If anything needs additional attention, we address it immediately—before the customer even sees it.
Once we’re satisfied with the result, we invite the customer to inspect the work alongside us. We walk around the vehicle together and explain what was done. It’s important that customers see the difference for themselves, especially if it’s their first time experiencing the paintless dent repair process.
Before the vehicle leaves our shop, we take time to confirm the customer is fully satisfied with the results. After walking them through the repair, we ask for their feedback and address any remaining questions. If there’s a small ripple or high spot we missed, we fix it on the spot. Every vehicle gets one final check before delivery, and we never rush this last step.
Our goal is for each customer to drive away with confidence—not just in the repair, but in the process itself. For many, this may be their first time choosing a non-invasive dent repair method like PDR. That’s why we focus on clear communication, visible results, and honest work from start to finish. When customers leave happy and informed, we know we’ve done our job right. That kind of trust is what brings people back the next time they need a dent removed.
What Customers Appreciate Most About PDR
One of the biggest advantages of the paintless dent repair process is that it preserves your car’s original finish. Unlike traditional repairs that require sanding and repainting, PDR keeps the factory paint untouched. That’s important for resale value and eliminates the risk of color mismatch or overspray. Your car looks like it never had damage to begin with.
Customers also appreciate the speed and affordability of this method. Many minor dents can be repaired in just a few hours, without the hassle of a rental car or insurance paperwork. Since there’s no need for paint or body filler, the costs stay lower—and the repair holds up long-term. For smaller dents, many choose to skip the claim and pay out of pocket.
For many drivers, this is their first time experiencing a non-invasive dent repair method. They arrive unsure of what to expect and leave surprised by how simple and effective the results are. Once they see how clean the outcome is, they often return the next time a dent appears.
A+ Dent Medic
Paintless Dent Repair & Hail Damage Repair
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