Will Paintless Dent Repair Work After Hail Damage?

Will Paintless Dent Repair Work After Hail Damage?

March 7, 2025

Most drivers need some type of vehicle maintenance about every 6 months. But it’s also common to need repairs between those routine visits - especially after a hailstorm. Hail damage can severely drop your car’s value and may lead to corrosion if left unaddressed.

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is one of the most effective solutions for tackling dents caused by hail. Below, we’ll break down what PDR entails and why it’s often the best choice for most hail-related damage.

What Is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless dent repair is a process for removing minor dents from a car's body without repainting. Using specialized tools, technicians reshape the dented panels from the inside until they match the original factory shape. This is particularly helpful after a hailstorm, when you may have dents in different sizes across various parts of your vehicle.

PDR tools typically include metal rods and picks that push out dents from beneath the panel. This approach protects your car’s paint since there’s no grinding or harsh pounding on the exterior. If some areas are accessible only from the outside, technicians use specially designed tabs to gently pull out dents without harming the finish.

After pulling out most of the dent, experts often tap down the panel lightly to smooth out any small high spots. This fine-tuning helps return your vehicle to a “like-new” condition.

How Is This Different From Traditional Hail Damage Dent Repair?

Traditional dent repair can be more invasive. It often involves heating, reshaping, sanding, and then repainting the damaged area. Because paintless dent repair avoids the need for new paint - assuming the damage didn’t peel away any paint - it’s quicker and easier.

That said, some hail damage may be too extensive or located in areas that aren’t accessible from the backside of the panel. In those cases, traditional techniques are needed. A knowledgeable technician can advise you on whether paintless repair is feasible or if a more involved repair method is required.

Car with hail damage

The Benefits of a PDR Service

For minor hail dents, paintless dent repair is often the top choice. Here are some advantages:

  1. Faster and More Convenient: Traditional methods can take weeks, leaving you without a car. PDR is typically much quicker, letting you get back behind the wheel faster and reducing labor costs.
  2. No Repainting Required: Because the original paint remains intact, you won’t have to color-match or pay for a new coat of paint. This also eliminates the risk of mismatched shades or finishes.
  3. More Eco-Friendly: Conventional dent repair involves chemicals like paint, primer, and fillers. PDR doesn’t use toxic substances, making it the greener choice for your repairs.

Our Hail Damage Repair Process

While some companies take 2-3 weeks or more to repair hail damage, we streamline the process. At 48-Hour Auto Hail Repair, we can have your car ready in as little as two days, saving you the hassle of extended downtime.

To get started, simply request a 3-Minute Estimate online, or schedule a free 1-Hour Custom Estimate worth $580. We’ll assess your hail damage, give you a clear overview of what repairs need to be done, and let you drive your car home until all parts and paperwork are in order.

When it’s time for the actual repair, you drop off your vehicle. We’ll complete the PDR work in 48 hours or less. If you have full coverage insurance, you may owe nothing out of pocket because we often cover your deductible.

Get Your Vehicle in Top Shape Today

Hailstorms can severely reduce your car’s resale value and potentially lead to corrosion if the damage is ignored. Fortunately, paintless dent repair is a quick and effective way to protect your investment and keep your car looking sharp.

Ready to restore your vehicle’s appearance? We value fast, straightforward communication and look forward to talking through your specific needs. Contact our specialists today for a free 3-minute online estimate. We’ll have you back on the road - with a like-new car - in no time.

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