Paintless Dent Repair

In the auto industry, aluminum is a popular material for car body construction. It’s lightweight and durable – which makes it perfect for fuel efficiency! Many luxury brands now choose this lightweight material exclusively for their products, such as Audi, Range Rover, and more. With the cost of aluminum being more expensive than steel, most cars and SUVs with this type of material are manufactured by high-end brands. Mainstream makes and models sometimes use aluminum for part of their vehicles. Though aluminum has many benefits, it is also more difficult and time-consuming to fix than other materials. In this article, we’ll find out what makes aluminum dent repair a tricky task. Different types of aluminum used in cars There are many types of aluminum being used in the auto industry. The 1000 series is made up of pure aluminum, while the 2000 and 3000 have a small amount (less than 0.1%) of copper or manganese based alloys.  4000 has silicon in its composition to give it more strength for molding compared with other grades – the most popular industry standard being 4043 and 5356, which provide very good performance. 6000 and 7000 contain silicon or ZINC and can be heat treated. It’s crucial for your auto repair shop to understand what material your car’s panels are made of, so they know how to treat it and what tools to use. Aluminum dent repair – Not complicated, but different Aluminum repair itself isn’t necessarily complicated, but it requires special tools, equipment and training. We always use separate sets of tools for aluminum because traditional car repair tools may contain steel shavings which can cause corrosion when the two metals come into contact and be exposed to water – a chemical reaction known as galvanic corrosion. Galganites Corrosion occurs most commonly on vehicle parts such as bodies or frames made from alloys containing zinc instead of iron. It goes without saying that if you want to do any kind of aluminum frame repair, it’s not a DIY project. Every part requires professional service and tools! Aluminum doesn’t have “metal memory” In our line of work, dealing with dents/dings and hail damage on cars, we are the experts of dent repair. Aluminum panels are more durable than steel so when something (like a hailstone) hits it, the impact affects only that specific area instead of spreading through-out.  The difference between steel and aluminum for paintless dent repair is like night and day.  When steel panels have dents, we can fix them by applying pressures behind to massage out the dents because steel has “metal memory” and wants to spring back. When an aluminum panel is dented, it will not remember its previous shape. We have to reshape the panel, which makes the repair difficult and requires special skill to fix without damaging nearby areas. Aluminum gets stiffer when worked on When aluminum gets worked, it becomes harder and stiffer – this is called work hardening. This means that in one area you can only straighten or pull so much before the metal starts to resist further instead of bending easily as before. The more damage an aluminum panel has, the harder it gets, and the more difficult it is to work on. That’s why we may need to apply heat to an aluminum panel before it can be smoothed. Any time when you apply heat, it’s always tricky. For example, if the panel contains adhesive, we never apply heat as it could create more damage. Remember what we said at the beginning about the different types of aluminum? The allowable heat range for dent repair is different depending on the actual material. Additionally, when working with aluminum, it is important to keep in mind that the metal can conduct heat quickly.  This means you must plan your repairs carefully and do them quickly but gently so as not damage any other parts of this sensitive material – or yourself for that matter! How do experts repair aluminum panels? It is important to have the right tools for aluminum dent repair and it’s best not to use them on anything else – cross contamination and galvanic corrosion cost further damage as described above. A specialty auto repair shop should store these away from other items so they don’t get mixed up from tools for steel panel repairs. When approaching an aluminum panel, we always try going around the most dented area – to work our way in since it’s never worth trying straight scrapes because they could create more damage than necessary. Unless we’re dealing with body line edges – in this case, we work on direct damage right away to avoid work hardening issues. If the dent is big, depending on the depth, we may need to reduce the size of a dent by heating it up.  Heating will relieve stress on your vehicle, raise low areas and make overall corrections less invasive than if no treatment was applied at all. The difficulty is to make sure not to heat it up too much as paint may start bubbling or peel away from its surface due high temperatures (this includes clear coat). To avoid any mistakes, always refer to the original manufacturers for the series of aluminum you are working with. Then we start the pulling process while the panel is still hot. When it comes to aluminum dent repair, there is no shortcut we can take. Should we replace a panel? With steel panels, we can repair hundreds of dents and still end up cheaper than repairing the entire panel. Aluminum on the other hand, does not have the same capabilities as steel. So if your car’s damage is too extensive for repair on an individual panel then replacement may be necessary. Because repairs could lead to other complications down the line. The size and location of the dents are crucial factors when deciding whether to repair or replace. If we come to the conclusion that replacement is a better option

Your car got damaged in a hailstorm and you’re now looking for a way to get it repaired. After performing extensive research, you’ve decided it’s best to get it fixed using paintless dent repair. It’s non-intrusive, less expensive, more environmentally friendly, and is often able to retain your car’s original value and paint job. How much is paintless dent repair for hail damage though? The costs associated with paintless dent repair for hail damage can depend on a variety of factors. These include where the car got damaged, how much damage there is, and how severe these are. Additionally, the price would depend on which hail damage auto repair shop you go to and how your insurance decides to cover it. Read on to find out all about the money side of paintless dent repair, and how you can get the best service at the best price possible. Watch out for markups that incur extra costs and make sure to got to expert repair shops when you inquire about how much is paintless dent repair for hail damage. The Average Cost of Paintless Dent Repair   Based on our database – compiled from over 20 years of experience –the average cost of a full paintless dent repair for hail damage is around $6,453. It can run as high as $16,875, or as low as $2,511. If the damage is minimal, it can be less. This averages out to about $50-$150 per dent, which is much cheaper than traditional dent repair (which can average $125-$325 per dent). However, identifying the total cost isn’t as simple as counting dents. There are several more factors to consider. The PDR Pricing Matrix When checking how much is paintless dent repair for hail damage, the cost can usually be identified using the PDR pricing matrix. The matrix takes into consideration the extent and placement of the damage as well as several other components to calculate its price. Regular Factors The PDR pricing matrix essentially works by counting the size and number of dents on each part of your car. There are four categories of dent sizes: Dime Quarter Nickel Half dollar These are further divided by how many dents there are in a given area, which is counted on a severity scale. The severity rating goes through 9 levels, ranging from very light (1-5 dents per area of the car) to ceiling (201- 250 dents per area of the car). Each combination of dent size, severity, and location has its own price range. These are then tallied up to estimate your car’s total repair cost. Extra Costs to Consider When Checking How Much Is Paintless Dent Repair for Hail Damage Of course, cars occasionally have damage that may need heavier or specialized repairs that the pricing matrix doesn’t include. In these cases, extra costs are applied accordingly. Before checking how much is paintless dent repair for hail damage, keep in mind these common special markups that include: Glue Pull Glue Pull is a special technique that involves applying hot glue to a tab placed on the damaged area of the car. Then, the tab is pulled to restore the original shape of the dented area. This procedure usually runs at a 25% markup. Oversized Dents These are dents that are bigger than the half-dollar limit set in the PDR Pricing Matrix. They typically run at $40 extra per dent.   Aluminum and High-Strength Steel (HSS) For cars with panels made out of high-strength steel or aluminum, extra work is needed to effectively repair the dents. A 25% markup is usually applied to the cost calculated in the pricing matrix. Extra Considerations There are several other special cases that may add extra cost to your paintless dent repair procedure, such as double metal or cars with extended roofs. There may also be cases where extra work needs to be done beyond PDR, such as part replacement (like for a damaged windshield), or extra paint job or minor bodywork to smooth things up after PDR is done. These will accumulate extra costs that need to be taken into consideration. If you are wondering how your particular case stacks up, you can get an estimate by using our free hail damage car repair cost calculator. Insurance Now that you have a better idea of how much is paintless dent repair for hail damage, you’re likely thinking about how much you will personally have to pay. After all, insurance can make the difference between shelling out thousands of dollars and walking away at almost zero cost on your end. Most comprehensive coverage insurance plans will cover paintless dent repair, and a reputable hail repair shop like StormWise will work with your insurance to make sure all damage is covered in the estimate by your insurer. Insurance typically calculates its costs based on the same PDR Pricing Matrix. If you’re worried about whether your insurance covers paintless dent repair, here are several things you need to keep in mind: Make Sure You Have Comprehensive Coverage If you live in a hail-prone area like Colorado, having a comprehensive coverage plan is imperative. This type of coverage covers weather-related events such as hail, helping keep repair costs low to none. Comprehensive Coverage Plans usually cover paintless dent repair for hail damage as well as other regular costs associated with it. Report the Damage Immediately Some people make the mistake of not reporting mild to moderate hail damage because they think it’s not that big of a deal. They may also be trying to avoid raising their insurance rates. Others may think it’s a waste of time to fix their car when there’s a risk it might be damaged again later on. Before you inquire about repair options or how much is paintless dent repair for hail damage, it is important to report the damage first – as soon as it happens. Below are several reasons: Comprehensive Coverage will not raise your rates for weather-induced damage, so you don’t have to worry

With so much information available online, it’s very trendy these days to DIY anything and everything.  A lot of people think they can save time, hassle, and money by DIY-ing. But DIYers can actually end up with a bigger headache than they started with. They often miss small, important steps, or they may repair something creatively when it’s important to do it by the book. When it comes to car repair, some simple things, like oil or tire changes, can be done by yourself. Other things are most reliable when done by a professional, and can even be outright dangerous for an amateur to touch.  Remember, a car is a very complex machine that contains potentially explosive, toxic, and corrosive materials. Do you really want something like that to be fixed incorrectly?  So What Should I Not DIY? As a general rule of thumb, any repair or alteration that requires professional knowledge of a specific car make or model, or specialty tools or equipment, should be handled by professionals. Many cars may have specificities that you need to be aware of—their engine may be in an unusual place, or they may only take a certain type of coolant or oil. Let a professional handle it before you make a costly or even dangerous mistake.  With that being said, here are 5 auto repairs you should absolutely not try to do on your own.  1. PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) Paintless dent repair, or PDR, is a non-traditional technique to fix dents in cars. It is particularly useful for car hail damage repair, where there may be hundreds of little dents all over the car. While traditional dent repair involves putting filler on top of a dent and then repainting it, PDR involves removing the paneling inside the car and then using special equipment to reshape the metal back into its original form. Done properly, this could recreate the car’s shape, without the need for sanding or repainting. It is more environmentally friendly and costs less money. Although you may be tempted to try removing dents yourself, this technique is highly specialized and requires equipment and expertise that a DIYer doesn’t have at home. If you are interested in getting PDR, you can contact us at StormWise to get an estimate near you.  [Get an Estimate] 2. Transmission Repair and Rebuilding The transmission is one of the most important pieces of equipment in the car, and repairs for it can be expensive. Plus, you may not want to risk driving a car with a bad transmission to an auto shop.  But, a transmission is made up of hundreds or even thousands of tiny little parts, and each of them is involved in a very complex and important process. If your car is automatic, it gets even more complicated. It takes the qualified expertise of a mechanic to understand how to fix your transmission properly.  Plus, we at StormWise offer free valet services to deliver your car to our shop, so you don’t have to worry about driving in dangerous conditions. [Learn More] 3. Electrical Issues DIY-ing electrical problems can lead to anything from electric shocks, burns, or even fires and explosions.  Even if you think you know your way around electrical equipment, you should still avoid dealing with auto electrical issues yourself. Many modern cars’ electrical systems are controlled by a computer, and this introduces many complicated factors.  You need knowledge on how your specific car’s system works, on top of general knowledge about electrical equipment and computers. With such a finicky, precise system, one wrong wire could mess up the whole thing. Leave this to an auto shop near you and skip the hassle.  4. Air Conditioning  Air conditioning is so ubiquitous, you may make the mistake of thinking it’s simple. But it actually takes a lot of knowledge and expertise to properly fix a car AC system. Not only is AC made up of a lot of tiny, precise parts, it also introduces it’s new, unique set of problems. In addition to involving dangerous chemicals, an AC system needs to be properly sealed at all times in order to work effectively. Exposing it to the elements can lead to corrosion that damages the AC to a point where it’s no longer repairable. Plus, diagnosing the problem with AC is very tricky. It could be as simple as refilling your refrigerant, or it could require a complex procedure that involves specialized dyes to spot tiny leaks in the system.  With so much going on, it will save you more time and money in the long run to skip the guesswork. Visit an auto repair shop near you to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. 5. Windshield Replacement Cracked or broken windshields are a common problem that compromises a vehicle’s safety, and replacement can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.  However, a windshield replacement should absolutely be done by a professional. They require specialized tools, a delicate process, and knowledge of the proper windshield type and size for your vehicle.  Improper repairs and replacements can lead to shattered glass, leaks into your interior, or even your car collapsing in on itself. This is definitely a job you want to leave to a mechanic or a glass specialist. Why You Shouldn’t DIY PDR At StormWise, we specialize in repairing dents caused by hail, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through paintless dent repair. With over 20 years of experience in PDR, we can help you restore your car and maintain its value. Plus, it’s more affordable, environmentally friendly, and effective than traditional dent repair.  Although the small dents caused by hail may look easy to fix, PDR requires expertise and special equipment. It’s important to assess if your vehicle is eligible for this treatment, and doing dent repair improperly can cause further damage to your vehicle. Visit Us and Skip The Hassle Why even bother trying to do dent repair yourself when you can save