Two dents that look identical to an owner can need completely different repairs. Here's how we decide between paintless dent removal (PDR) and traditional repair — and why the right choice matters for your wallet and your car's value.
What PDR can do
PDR massages the metal back to shape from behind the panel using specialist rods and lighting. Because nothing is filled or painted, your factory finish survives intact — the best possible outcome for resale value and lease returns. It's also faster (often same-day) and cheaper than refinishing.
PDR works when: the paint is unbroken, the dent is shallow-to-moderate, and it's not sitting right on a sharp bodyline or bonded panel edge.
When traditional repair is the right call
If the paint has cracked or scratched through, PDR alone can't help — the paint damage still needs refinishing. Sharp creases, stretched metal from harder impacts, and dents in awkward double-skinned sections also push the job to traditional methods: metalwork, minimal filler, then colour-matched refinishing blended into surrounding panels.
The honest answer costs nothing
Send us two photos — one straight-on, one at a low angle — and we'll tell you which repair your dent needs and what it'll cost. If it's PDR-able, we'll never sell you a respray. More about our PDR service or get a free estimate.