If you own a car, dents, and dings are an inevitable part of the experience. It could be a careless driver at the grocery store, a misstep while parking, or anything else. Regardless, when you’re searching for paintless dent repair costs, it probably means you’re having a rough week. But don’t worry, paintless dent repair is relatively affordable and there are ways to save money. In this article, we’ll go over paintless dent repair costs and the body repair process.
Paintless dent repair is a method of repairing dents without sanding or painting. It’s quick, efficient, and cost-effective, especially when the vehicle doesn’t have paint damage. Larger dents can also be repaired using this method as long as there’s no paint damage.
The process involves heating the damaged body panel to make it more pliable, then using a metal rod to massage the dent out. In some cases, the technician may need to remove interior parts to access the dent from the inside.
However, paintless dent repair may not be the best option in the following situations:
- The dent has sharp edges or torn metal.
- The paint inside the dent is broken or scratched.
- The indented metal is close to the edge of a panel. In such cases, paintless dent repair may still be possible, but it may be more expensive.
- The dented area has undergone previous bodywork.
Factors that impact paintless dent repair cost
The number of dents, size of the dent, and location of the dent all play a role in the cost of paintless dent repair. The make and model of your vehicle can also affect the cost, as some cars may require other components to be removed before the dent can be repaired.
Where to find paintless dent repair near you
Paintless dent repair is available at local auto body shops or through online auto body services. Be sure to compare prices from different shops and service providers to get the best deal, and don’t forget to read customer reviews to ensure you get a quality repair job.
DIY: PDR
Performing a paintless dent repair on your own is possible if you have the mechanical skills and patience. There are two options to choose from, so consider which one is better suited to your needs and determine if you feel comfortable with the repair process.
Option 1: Bodyline Paintless Dent Repair
This approach is more effective when the damage is located on the bodyline of the vehicle, where curves and contours are present. This area requires more care and accuracy, and if you prefer not to DIY, a professional can perform the repair for around $250. To do it yourself, you’ll need the following items:
ü Bodyline paintless dent repair instructions
ü VIP 2.0 tap down with pivot tips
ü A hair dryer or heat gun
ü The Killer Whale’s tail tool or a crowbar or metal rod
ü The MT18 tool from PDR’s finesse line
Use the VIP 2.0 tap-down to minimize the dent size by tapping the outermost border (crowns) of the dent. Heat the area with a hair dryer for 5-10 minutes, then use the Killer Whale’s tail tool or a crowbar/metal rod to push the dent from the inside of the panel. Tap down again for further modification, and use the MT18 tool to detect and remove any push marks. Attention to detail is important for this method. For a better understanding, watch this video tutorial.
Option 2: Paintless Dent Repair with a Suction Cup or Plunger
This method is recommended for larger dents that do not affect the bodyline, such as those on the bumper. You’ll need a hairdryer or heat gun, a suction cup or plunger, and a crowbar or metal rod. Heat the damaged area with a hairdryer/heat gun for 5-10 minutes, then use the suction cup/plunger to remove the dent. If the panel is still not pliable, heat it again. Repeat the process as needed and use a crowbar/metal rod to push the panel from the inside for more precise changes. Watch this video tutorial to see the Boost Brothers use this method to repair their bumper.
When paintless dent repair is not an option due to the severity of the damage, other methods such as conventional dent repair or patching up holes may be necessary. Conventional dent repair involves sanding the damaged area and repainting it if the paint is compromised. This method typically costs between $250 and $350, but the price may increase if a repaint is required. Patching up holes involves using plastic filler to seal fractures, and is usually performed on bumpers. The cost of this method will depend on the severity of the damage.
“Frequently Asked Questions on Paintless Dent Repair Cost”
What is a Paintless Dent Repair?
A Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a process of fixing car dents without sanding or repainting the surface, unlike traditional dent repairs. This is done by heating the dented area and using tools to gently push out the dent from the inside. It is a cost-effective, quick, and easy way to repair dents if there is no visible paint damage.
How to Remove Dents from a Car?
There are two methods to remove dents from a car. For dents on body lines, use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the panel, and then use a metal rod, crowbar, or similar tool to push the dent out. For dents on flatter surfaces, warm up the dented area and use a plunger or suction cup to pull the dent out.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Car Dent?
A traditional car dent repair is usually more expensive than a paintless dent repair, costing upwards of $250 to $350 because it requires sanding and repainting. If there are cracks in the body panel, the cost can increase from $300 to $500. In case of significant damage, replacing the entire body panel can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 or more.
How Much is a Paintless Dent Repair?
PDR is often less expensive than traditional dent repair because it does not require sanding or repainting. On average, a paintless dent repair costs around $250. If you are tight on budget, you can file an insurance claim, but keep in mind that your insurance premiums may increase as a result.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Door?
Replacing a car door is more expensive than repairing it and is necessary if the damage is significant. A bare door shell can cost $500 to $1,500 and the total cost including installation and other parts can reach $500 to $2,500 or more.