PDR vs. Conventional Body Shop Repair for Hail Damage

After a hailstorm, there are two main ways to fix the dents: paintless dent repair (PDR) or conventional body work. Both have their place. Here's how to tell which one your car needs.

How paintless dent repair works

PDR technicians use specialized rods, glue-pull tabs and reflection lights to work each dent back out from behind the panel. The factory paint stays intact, so there's no sanding, filler or repaint.

How conventional repair works

A body shop fills or replaces the damaged panel, then primes, paints and blends it to match. It's the right approach when the paint is cracked or a panel is too badly damaged to restore.

Side by side

• Factory paint: PDR keeps it. Conventional repair replaces it.
• Repair time: Light-to-moderate PDR often takes a few days. Conventional hail repair can take weeks, especially when parts are back-ordered.
• Resale value: Original paint holds value better with buyers and dealers.
• Best for: PDR for dents with unbroken paint. Conventional repair for cracked paint, sharp creases or torn metal.

Many hail repairs use both

Most hail-damaged vehicles can be repaired almost entirely with PDR. When a few panels have broken paint, a good shop combines PDR for most of the car with conventional repair only where it's needed.

Aluminum panels and modern vehicles

More hoods, roofs and doors are made of aluminum, which is harder to reshape than steel. It can still be repaired with PDR, but it takes experienced technicians. Many newer vehicles also have sensors and cameras near repair areas, so your shop should know when a scan or calibration is needed.

Every job starts with a free inspection and a clear repair plan. Get yours scheduled.