Dent repair is the art of returning a car's bodywork to a condition that hasn't been damaged, typically by low-speed bumps such as car park bashes, hail, or scrape accidents. It's an unfortunate issue for drivers, and even safe motorists can't always escape it. Fortunately, most dents are easily repaired at a low cost without requiring a full respray or high-level bodywork.
The technique applied varies with the location and type of dent. There are shallow ones which can be removed without contacting the paint, but others need filling, sanding and repainting. Experienced repair experts can diagnose the damage and determine the optimal method to restore the panel to its original state.
Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)
One of the most common techniques for dent correction is paintless dent removal, commonly known as PDR. It's applied when the dent did not harm the paint surface. The specialist employs special equipment to gently massage the panel from the opposite side, remolding it without compromising the paint.
It's also very fast and significantly cheaper than conventional repair. It's great for dings at the supermarket, small scratches, or hail damage. Since there's no requirement for filler or paint, it also leaves the original factory finish intact, which is great for maintaining the value of the vehicle.
Yet PDR is not appropriate for all dents. If paint has cracked or metal is severely creased, more conventional approaches will be necessary. In such instances, the panel may have to be filled, smoothed, and resprayed to get back the form and colour match.
When You Should Get a Dent Repaired
Most individuals delay having dents repaired, particularly if they appear to be small. However, doing nothing with even minor damage creates problems down the line. Damage to paint can allow rust to take hold on exposed metal. When rust occurs, the repair is more difficult and expensive.
There is also the resale value consideration. A dented or easily seen-damaged car is probably going to be worth less, even if it is in perfect working condition. Having dents repaired promptly not only maintains your vehicle's appearance, but also can save you money down the road.
Claims for small dents are usually not worth the excess and uplift on premiums. For this reason, many drivers prefer to pay for minor repairs privately. Most independent dent repair shops have competitive prices and can usually complete work on the same day.
Selecting a Repair Specialist
When selecting a dent repair Nottingham technician, consider one who has experience and great customer reviews. There are mobile services that are easily found and bring convenience by visiting your workplace or residence. This is especially useful if the damage is not so bad and doesn't need to go through a full body shop visit.
It's also worth ensuring whether the technician gives a warranty on their labor. Good technicians usually guarantee their work for extra peace of mind. If your vehicle still enjoys manufacturer warranty, check whether independent repair will impact your cover, though this is rarely an issue with minor cosmetic repairs.
Inquire about turnaround times, what kind of repair process they would suggest, and if they will colour match if painting is the process. A properly done dent repair should have no apparent evidence of the initial damage and blend perfectly with the rest of the car.
