Blog

Conventional or Paintless Dent Repair for Hail Damage?

According to research, U.S. hailstorms cause an average of $15 billion in damage to cars, homes, and crops. Unfortunately, Iowa ranks among the top 10 states most vulnerable to hail damage due to its favorable conditions for hail formation. If your vehicle has suffered hail damage, it’s essential to understand the differences between conventional dent repair and paintless dent repair (PDR).

Harv’s Auto Body Repair, located in Iowa City, IA, offers both conventional and paintless dent repair services. While most drivers in Iowa City are familiar with conventional paint services, the same level of awareness doesn’t always extend to paintless dent repair. In this article, we’ll delve into paintless dent repair to help you assess its suitability for hail damage in Iowa City, IA.

Dented car after a big hail storm | Harvs Auto Body Repair in Iowa City

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless dent repair is a quicker and more efficient method for addressing hail damage. It is ideally suited for small to medium-sized dents and dings that do not involve significant damage to the vehicle’s paint or underlying structure. In addition to hail damage, PDR can also be used for minor incidents and small accidents. Auto paintless dent repair is typically less expensive and faster than traditional auto body repair because it requires less labor. At Harv’s Auto Body Repair, we employ specialized tools and techniques to gently massage the metal back into its original shape, preserving the vehicle’s paint finish.

Can Paintless Dent Repair Fix Hail Damage?

Absolutely! Research indicates that approximately 80% of hail damage can be successfully repaired with paintless dent repair. However, the effectiveness of your paintless dent repair job in Iowa City, IA, depends on the skill and expertise of the auto body technicians. That’s why, at Harv’s Auto Body Repair, we ensure that our repair technicians undergo extensive training. This process guarantees that we utilize the latest and most effective PDR practices. When we use paintless dent repair, we can swiftly and efficiently repair the damage, getting you back on the road in no time.

What Type of Hail Damage Isn't Repairable with Paintless Dent Repair?

While paintless dent repair can remedy many types of auto body damage, it’s not for all hail damage. For example, it shouldn’t be used for cracked paint. Cracked paint can be caused when hail hits your vehicle at the right angle in areas, such as

  • Trunk, 
  • Deck lid, 
  • Hood, and 
  • Rails. 

When paint cracking occurs, Harv’s Auto Body Repair can provide a combination of bodywork and paintless dent repair. 

At the same time, severe or structural damage can’t be repaired with PDR. Although most hail storms are short, if it’s a longer storm, it can cause significant damage to a panel. If this happens, it may be more cost-effective to replace the panel. Other instances when paintless dent repair may not be the best solution include:

  • If the damage or dent is near the edge of a panel
  • The dent is too large
  • Your vehicle has already had auto body work performed in this location. 

In either case, Harv’s Auto Body Repair will guide you through the process and explain your options, so you can confidently make the best decision. 

Can I DIY Paintless Dent Repair?

While advertisements for DIY paintless dent repair tools may be enticing, the reality is that paintless dent repair is more intricate than it appears. At Harv’s Auto Body Repair, our technicians have received extensive training and possess specialized expertise in using professional-grade paintless dent repair tools. We have the knowledge to assess auto body damage accurately and determine the best solution.

Attempting DIY paintless dent repair often leads to further damage that can render your vehicle ineligible for this cost-efficient solution.

Contact Harv's Auto Body Repair for the Best Paintless Dent Repair

If your vehicle has suffered hail damage, Harv’s Auto Body Repair can help. In addition to paintless dent repair, we offer expert conventional paint solutions designed to address any damage and restore the integrity of your vehicle.

Contact Harv’s Auto Body Repair in Iowa City, IA, today for top-notch auto body repair. You can reach us at (319) 351-0680, or visit our location at 423 Highland Ave in Iowa City, IA. We look forward to providing you with expert auto body repair services.