Paintless dent removal versus panel beating
Dents are a problem. Not only are they ugly, but if left unchecked, they can multiply and begin weakening your car’s body and ultimately affecting its performance. It’s wise to treat dents as they come up, but how should you do it? Well, after you’ve tried your hand with a plunger, you’ll want to make a call to the experts.
There are two main ways to get this done: panel beating and paintless dent removal (PDR). Each has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at them.
Time
Panel beaters operate out of repair shops, so to have panel beating done, you’ll have to leave your car there. Although this could be an inconvenience, it means that your vehicle’s body is getting a thorough repair. The panel beaters will take care of everything in one go and ensure that your vehicle’s body is in perfect shape when you get it back.
On the other hand, painless dent removal will see an expert sent out to your location for a quick job. While this is more convenient, they will only address a single problem before leaving. You may end up needing to make multiple calls to fix problems you didn’t see.
Location
On that note, a panel beating shop is equipped with a range of tools and multiple staff members. Essentially no body problem is too big for a good panel beating team. On top of that, the variety of equipment means they can deal with any more minor or obscure issues with your car.
With a paintless dent removal technician, the job is very “focused”. While they can take care of minor dents, if they run into extra trouble, it’s possible they won’t have the equipment on hand to fix it. Again, this may require additional call-outs and related costs.
Scope
Ultimately, panel beating and PDR are best for dents at different scales.
Have a small dent that you want to buff out? Call a PDR specialist in to get it sorted. However, if the dent is large, has sharp edges, or the paint is damaged, panel beating is your go-to. PDR won’t be able to deal with these problems efficiently.
It’s also best to err on the side of caution. Remember, panel beaters are fully equipped for any body issues that may be present.
A Final Word on Coast
As you can tell, PDR is cheaper and less time-consuming, but it doesn’t account for the unexpected, and so it can end up being more expensive and time-intensive.
If you want to opt for PDR, be sure it’s only for a minor dent. Otherwise, it’s wisest to go with a good panel beating service.