5 Myths About Paintless Dent Repair for Hail Damage

After a hailstorm hits Sandwich and surrounding areas, many vehicle owners find themselves dealing with unexpected damage. Those small (and sometimes not-so-small) dents across your hood, roof, and trunk can be frustrating to deal with. While traditional body repair methods have been around for decades, Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) has become the preferred method for addressing hail damage—yet many misconceptions persist about this specialized technique.

At Mike’s Tri County Collision, we’ve been repairing hail damage for over 20 years, and we’d like to clear up some common myths about Paintless Dent Repair.

Myth #1: “PDR is just a temporary fix”

One of the most persistent myths we hear is that PDR is merely a band-aid solution that doesn’t truly fix the damage.

The Truth: Paintless Dent Repair is a permanent repair method that completely restores the metal to its original state. Unlike traditional body filler methods that add materials to your vehicle, PDR actually manipulates the existing metal back to its factory condition. When performed by skilled technicians like our team at Mike’s Tri County Collision, PDR repairs are permanent and will last the lifetime of your vehicle.

Our PDR specialists use specialized tools to carefully massage the metal from behind the panel, gradually working the dent out without disturbing the factory paint finish. The result is a repair that’s not only permanent but preserves your vehicle’s original paint and finish.

Myth #2: “Any dent can be fixed with PDR”

Some believe that PDR is a miracle solution for all types of dents, regardless of size or severity.

The Truth: While PDR is remarkably effective for many types of dents, including most hail damage, it does have limitations. PDR works best when:

• The paint isn’t cracked or damaged
• The dent hasn’t created a sharp crease
• The damage hasn’t stretched the metal too severely
• The dent isn’t located on a complex panel edge or reinforced area

During our thorough assessment process, our technicians evaluate each dent individually to determine if PDR is the appropriate solution. For hail damage specifically, we’re typically able to repair 80-90% of dents using PDR techniques. When certain dents aren’t suitable for PDR, we’ll recommend traditional repair methods for those specific areas while still using PDR where it’s effective.

Myth #3: “PDR costs the same as traditional body repair”

Many vehicle owners assume that all dent repair methods cost roughly the same amount.

The Truth: Paintless Dent Repair is typically significantly less expensive than traditional body repair methods. Since PDR doesn’t require body fillers, primer, paint matching, or clear coat application, it eliminates many of the costs associated with conventional repairs.

On average, PDR repairs for hail damage can cost 40-60% less than traditional repair methods. Not only does this save you money directly, but it can also help prevent insurance premium increases by keeping claim costs lower.

At Mike’s Tri County Collision, we provide detailed estimates for both repair methods when appropriate, allowing you to see the cost difference firsthand. We’ll work directly with your insurance company to document the advantages of PDR for your specific situation.

Myth #4: “PDR takes just as long as conventional repairs”

Some people believe that all auto body repairs involve lengthy timeframes, regardless of the method used.

The Truth: Paintless Dent Repair can be completed in a fraction of the time needed for traditional body repairs. Where conventional repairs might require several days to a week or more (due to body filler curing times, primer application, paint drying, and clear coat processes), PDR repairs are often completed in just 1-3 days, depending on the extent of the damage.

For many of our customers in Sandwich, Plano, and DeKalb, this means getting their vehicle back on the road much faster. This is especially important during “hail season” when repair shops are typically busiest.

Our technicians can often complete multiple panel repairs in a single day, minimizing your downtime and the need for rental vehicles. We understand that being without your car is inconvenient, which is why we prioritize efficient repairs without compromising quality.

Myth #5: “Any body shop can perform quality PDR”

A common misconception is that PDR is a simple technique that any auto body technician can perform effectively.

The Truth: Paintless Dent Repair is a specialized skill that requires extensive training, experience, and a natural feel for the metal. Quality PDR is truly an art form that takes years to master. At Mike’s Tri County Collision, our PDR technicians have dedicated years to perfecting this technique.

The difference between amateur and professional PDR work is significant. Improper PDR attempts can actually stretch the metal further, create high spots, or damage the paint—making subsequent repairs more difficult and expensive.

When choosing a shop for hail damage repair, always ask about their technicians’ specific PDR training and experience. Our team at Mike’s has been performing PDR for hail damage for over two decades, giving us the expertise to handle everything from minor dings to severe hail damage.

Why Choose Mike’s Tri County Collision for Hail Damage PDR

When spring storms hit our area, having a trusted local expert matters. Here’s why our customers throughout DeKalb, Kendall, and LaSalle Counties choose us for their hail damage repairs:

• Specialized PDR expertise: Our technicians are specifically trained in the latest PDR techniques
• Comprehensive assessment: We thoroughly evaluate each vehicle to determine the most effective repair approach
• Insurance claims assistance: We handle all communication with your insurance company
• Lifetime warranty: All our workmanship carries a lifetime warranty (except rust repairs) for as long as you own your vehicle
• Local experience: We understand the specific types of hail damage common to our region

What to Expect During the PDR Process at Mike’s

If your vehicle has suffered hail damage, here’s what you can expect when you bring it to Mike’s Tri County Collision:

1. Detailed inspection under specialized lighting to identify all dent locations
2. Comprehensive assessment to determine which dents are suitable for PDR
3. Documentation for insurance purposes, including digital imaging
4. Custom repair plan that may combine PDR and traditional methods if necessary
5. Skilled repair by our experienced technicians
6. Quality control inspection to ensure every dent has been properly addressed
7. Final detailing before returning your vehicle looking like new

Don’t let hail damage diminish your vehicle’s appearance and value. Now that you’ve learned 5 myths about paintless dent repair Contact Mike’s Tri County Collision today at 815-786-2225 to schedule your free hail damage assessment, or email us at thecollisionexpert@gmail.com. We’ve been restoring the safety and appearance of vehicles for our neighbors in Sandwich, Plano, Somonauk, DeKalb, Yorkville, Ottawa, and surrounding communities for over 20 years, and we’re here to help you through the entire process.

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Mike’s Tri County Collision is located in Sandwich, IL and specializes in auto body repair, collision damage repair, paintless dent repair, hail damage restoration, and insurance claims assistance. Our workmanship carries a lifetime warranty (except for rust repairs) for as long as you own your vehicle.