Should I opt for paintless dent repair or full car repainting after hail damage?
2 Answers
The most suitable technique for repairing hail-damaged vehicles is paintless dent repair (PDR), which was originally developed specifically to address hail dents. Additional information: 1. Paintless Dent Repair: PDR involves restoring the dented areas of a car's paint surface. Typically, PDR can effectively restore sharp-angle and obtuse-angle dents to their original condition. It works best for dents without chipped paint - hail dents can be perfectly repaired, though edges and A/B pillars are more challenging to fix. 2. Auto Body Repair: Conventional auto body repair involves restoring deformed metal panels, such as when a car's exterior is dented. This method reshapes the metal back to its original form, followed by specialized paint spraying to make the repaired metal surface match the undamaged areas, restoring the glossy finish.
Last time my car got hit by hail, I struggled with the same dilemma. As someone who frequently researches auto repairs, I believe paintless dent repair (PDR) is the superior option, especially when dealing with small dents and intact factory paint. It involves using specialized tools to massage the metal back into shape without compromising the original finish—the entire process is quick, often completed within a day. In contrast, a full repaint requires sanding off the existing paint, applying new layers, and takes several days; it may also affect the vehicle's factory gloss, and poor color matching could decrease resale value. However, the severity of damage is crucial—if there are numerous deep dents exposing bare metal, repainting becomes safer to prevent rust. Hail damage typically occurs on hoods or roofs, so inspect the affected areas thoroughly and consult a professional for assessment. I've personally had great results with PDR while saving money, but always verify if your insurance covers such repairs—many policies include hail damage claims.
