A shopping trolley dent can take place in seconds. A careless nudge in the car park can leave a nasty dent in your car. The good news is not every dent requires a full body shop hero. In most cases, it’s the quicker and cheaper method of the two.
So, how do you know whether to use PDR or a panel beater? Knowing this distinction can save you time, money, and anguish.
What is Paintless Dent Removal?
Paintless dent removal is a state-of-the-art repair procedure in which we remove a dent without sanding, filling, or painting over the panel. Highly trained technicians then use specialised instruments to massage the metal back into place from behind the panel.
This method works best when:
- The paint is still intact
- The ding is like small to medium
- There are no sharp creases
- That metal has not really stretched
Shopping trolley dings usually are a very good one because these are mainly shallow, with no paint damage.
That is why Paintless dent removal in Melbourne is the choice of most drivers nowadays as it is a speedy and affordable option.
When to Go for a Panel Beater?
A panel beater deals with more extreme examples of damage. This also includes dents with cracked paint, deep bends, or dents caused by larger more forceful impacts.
Traditional repairs may involve:
- Sanding the damaged area
- Filling the dent
- Repainting the panel
- Colour matching the paint
It involves a longer and typically pricier process. But this is only required in cases of damage beyond the threshold for paintless dent repair.
A panel beater might be the best option if the trolley dent has chipped paint and exposed metal meaning that rust can form in the future.
Comparing PDR and Panel Beating
Cost
Owing to the absence of repainting and heavy labour, PDR is generally less expensive.
Panel beating is also more expensive because of the materials, the paint, and it takes longer to do such a repair.
Repair Time
Small repairs can usually be performed in a few hours by most paintless dent removal Melbourne services.
A panel repair might take a few days to complete depending on the damage.
Vehicle Value
For the purpose of resale value, one thing to remember is the paint should be as close to the factory paint as possible! That is also part of the reason so many car owners take the option of paintless dent removal whenever it can be done.
Environmental Impact
PDR is more environmentally friendly since it does not utilise paint, fillers, or harsh chemicals.
How to Determine Which Repair You Should Be Making?
Examine the dent thoroughly before you book a repair ask yourself:
- Is the paint still smooth?
- Is the dent shallow?
- Is the damage a small round hole?
If the response is a yes, then paintless dent elimination is probably an optimal alternative.
If it is deep, sharp and it broke the paint, consult with a reliable panel beater.
Final Thoughts
A few scratches or dents from a shopping trolley might be considered a non-issue, but they can detract significantly from the look of your vehicle. It matters how you choose to repair it. If you have an insignificant dent where there is no damage to the paint, paintless dent removal makes sense as a rapid, cheap, and reliable form of repair. Still, for more extensive or serious damage, a panel beater is nonetheless the right person to call.
Expert evaluation before deciding. Knowledgeable technician in paintless dent removal in Melbourne can help you to decide if your car will restore without requiring expensive repainting. And if you’re prompt in contacting a dent removal professional to get the process rolling, it may allow you to prevent the dent from getting worse over time.
