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Utilizing the latest technology and tools, skilled metal
"artisans" can quickly remove many dents on late-model vehicles-without
repainting, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional body repair.
It strikes a deep fear in all new car owners-the first dent. NO matter
how it happens, or where you park, the first dent can make a person
feel that their car will never be the same again. Or will it? Many dents
can now be removed without a trace, providing the work is performed
by a skilled technician with proper equipment. Ernie Escobedo, an instructor
at the Superior Auto Institute, a school for Paintless Dent Repair training
explains; "The PDR technique has developed to the point that dings can
be removed with the original paint completely intact. In cold weather
dent repair, heat guns are used to keep the paint from cracking when
working deep or sharp dents. New tool designs and tips provide for better
access eliminating the need for panel access drilling and inner panel
e-coat scratching." Consumer Awareness Growing Paintless dent removal
(PDR) has become widely used over the past decade by car dealers, rental
agencies and auctions to prepare vehicles for resale, yet few consumers
are barely aware the process exists. Specially fabricated tools and
"artisan level" techniques for PDR have evolved to remove dents, often
up to the size of a football, from any body panel of a vehicle. Traditional
body shop techniques need not apply here- no sanding, body filler or
repainting is necessary. In most cases, when the process is concluded
the dent is no longer visible. The public is not aware that paintless
dent removal is even available, said Ernie Escobedo. After performing
Paintless Dent Repair for local dealers and rental agencies in the Southern
California area, The Superior Auto Institute (also known as Superior
Dent Removal in the auto dealer community) has focused on PDR service
and education for the past nine years. Consumers are learning about
the PDR process from local dealerships and insurance companies, according
to Escobedo. "In the last three to four years, insurance companies have
become more aware of the PDR process, particularly to repair hail damage,
but also for minor dents...even The Automobile Club of Southern California
(AAA) is offering 20% discounts to its customers who show the card to
local PDR companies, with other insurance companies sure to follow suit
shortly".Paintless Dent Removal on the Rise PDR is becoming more widely
used, largely because the size of dent that can be repaired has increased
over the last few years. Brian Jump, the founder of Superior Dent Removal,
which now offers PDR, hail and retail service in many U.S. cities, and
abroad explains: "We have developed specific techniques and equipment
to repair a dent the size of a football, and just a few years ago we
were only repairing dents the size of a baseball." The widespread use
of resilient metal and base/clear coat paint finishes has allowed PDR
to become a viable alternative to traditional body repair techniques.
So much so, that some insurance companies will even waive the deductible
if PDR is chosen over more traditional techniques.
What
is PDR Material?
Paintless dent repair is very effective for the following: very small
to large dents; generally, 1985 model year and newer vehicles; paint has
not broken or cracked; the dent is not on the edge of a panel; the panel
has not had previous body filler/repair. PDR is so effective for hail
damage that most insurance companies use "hail teams" that "chase hail
storms." These teams travel to an area that was hit by hail to repair
vehicle damage using PDR techniques. Brian Jump explains, "Superior visited
over 5 storms last year alone, with dozens of cars repaired. Insurance
companies love it because it saves them money and make customers happy
through convenience and cost savings passed back to the consumer in the
form of lower rates". Admittedly, not all damage to a vehicle can be repaired
with PDR techniques, such as metal or plastic bumpers, collision sized
damage, etc.
The Power of Paintless Dent Removal
Some advantages for considering adding paintless dent repair to a carwash
include: added profit center; same-day service, giving an opportunity
for cross selling, no additional overhead, just net profits, give customers
another reason to return for repeat business A vehicle with the original
finish retains a higher value than a repainted vehicle. "Buyers these
days are very saavy..most people can tell when a car has been repainted,
and deduct value as such", says Brian Jump. Even if it is just a door
or a fender, it is always preferable to maintain the original finish on
a vehicle.
How Is the Process Done?
PDR technicians use specialized tools to massage the metal back into
its original form from behind the dent. Depending on the location of the
damage, the panel is accessed through window openings or through other
access openings. Rarely is an interior panel removed for access, which
aides the speed of the process. Paul Turton, who performs PDR for Dent
Devils of London, England, explains, "You need to be able to 'read the
reflection' to see where the dent ends and then you have to comprehend
where the tip of the tool is. From there it is skill and patience." In
a typical dent removal, the metal is slowly massaged back into its original
position slowly with minute sections being worked at a time. The dent
becomes progressively smaller as the technician works to shrink it down
bit by bit; eventually the dent becomes so small it blends with the surface
texture of the paint and disappears completely. Most repairs can be completed
in under an hour, and many PDR companies offer mobile service to save
even more time. Pricing varies depending on the vehicle model, location
and complexity of the repair. A general range would be $85-125 for a single
dent, up to several hundred dollars to remove numerous dents on various
body panels. This compares with a cost of $300+ to repair and repaint
a single dent using traditional auto body repair practices.
Who offer Paintless Dent Repair training?
PDR training is available from local companies, franchises, and independent
companies. A simple search on the web or local yellow pages or other business
directories usually will produce several options.
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