Choose the method that matches the damage.
Paintless dent repair and conventional body repair solve different problems. PDR works the existing metal back toward its original contour. A body shop can replace panels, repair structural damage, use filler, and refinish paint when the original surface cannot be preserved.
When PDR may be the better fit
- The paint is intact without cracking or major chips
- The metal is not severely stretched, torn, or crushed
- The dent can be accessed safely from behind or with controlled pulling methods
- The vehicle has door dings, hail dents, minor creases, or other workable panel damage
When a body shop may be the better fit
- The collision affected structure, alignment, safety systems, or multiple joined panels
- The paint is broken and the panel needs refinishing
- The metal is sharply folded, torn, or stretched beyond a responsible PDR repair
- A panel must be replaced rather than reshaped
What PDR avoids when it works
Because PDR preserves the existing finish, the process itself does not require sanding, body filler, primer, color matching, or repainting. That is why an honest fit check matters. Sean will say when the damage is outside the responsible limits of PDR.
PDR versus body shop questions
Is PDR always the cheaper repair?
No single method is always cheaper. PDR can avoid refinishing steps when it fits, but the dent's depth, location, access, and panel material determine the work.
Can PDR fix a dent with cracked paint?
Cracked paint changes the repair decision because reshaping the metal does not restore missing or broken finish. Sean needs to see the damage before recommending a path.
Will PDR show on a vehicle history report?
Reporting depends on the shop, insurer, claim, and data providers involved. Ask the business or insurer handling the repair if vehicle-history reporting is important to your decision.
