Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a method developed by Mercedes-Benz to remove minor dents and dings from a vehicle’s body without the need for painting or body fillers. This technique is particularly effective for small dents caused by hail, door dings, or minor impacts that haven't compromised the paint.
How Does PDR Work?
- Accessing the Dent: Technicians access the backside of the dent through openings, such as door panels or fender liners.
- Massaging the Metal: Using specialized tools, they gently push or pull the dented area back into its original shape.
- Restoring the Surface: The process reshapes the metal without affecting the factory paint.
Benefits of PDR
- Cost-Effective – Usually cheaper than traditional bodywork.
- Faster Repairs – Many dents can be fixed in just a few hours.
- Retains Factory Paint – No need for repainting, preventing color mismatch.
PDR is a great option for maintaining your car’s value, especially if you're looking to trade it in or sell it. If the dent is too deep or has damaged the paint, traditional bodywork might be needed.
Accident Repair Process
1. Report the Accident & File a Claim
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Almost all repairs go through insurance.
- Some insurance companies may require you to submit photos via their app, send an adjuster to inspect your vehicle, or provide other instructions. In these cases, you do not need to get an estimate yourself.
- If your insurance company requires an estimate, you only need one from the shop of your choice—multiple estimates are not necessary.
2. Damage Assessment & Estimate
- If an estimate is required, we can assist. No appointment is needed.
- The best days for estimates are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—Mondays and Fridays are busier due to drop-offs and pickups, which may increase wait times.
- The time needed for an estimate depends on the damage, but it typically takes 15-20 minutes.
- For accurate assessment, please ensure your car is clean and arrive before dark for better photo documentation.
3. Insurance Approval
- Approval from the insurance company generally takes a few days.
- If your vehicle is not at our shop, the insurance company may not send us their estimate directly. You will need to provide us with the approved estimate before scheduling your repair.
4. Scheduling & Drop-Off
- Scheduling is quick, and we can accommodate multiple vehicles at a time.
- Once your insurance company approves the estimate, give us a call to schedule your repair.
- Upon arrival, we will order the necessary parts and begin the repair process.
- If your insurance company provides an estimated completion date, note that this timeline starts after all parts have arrived.
5. Repair Process
- We begin by removing damaged parts.
- If additional damage is found, we must pause repairs and notify the insurance company. They may require an in-person or electronic inspection before proceeding.
- During this stage, we will also perform a pre-scan, where our diagnostic computer communicates with your vehicle’s systems.
5a. Potential Delays
- Some delays are beyond our control, including:
- Manufacturer or parts warehouse delays
- Shipping issues or backordered parts
- Insurance adjuster scheduling and processing
- We understand that delays are frustrating for everyone, and we will keep you informed throughout the process.
6. Finalizing Repairs & Vehicle Pickup
- Before completing your repair, we will conduct a post-scan to ensure all systems are functioning properly.
- A final quality check will be performed, including:
- Exterior wash
- Window cleaning
- Interior vacuuming
- We will finalize all claim paperwork and verify payments.
- Finally, we will notify you when your vehicle is ready for pickup.