What Is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless dent repair, hail damage repair on car

What is paintless dent repair and how does it work? Do you need a service center expert like those here at Suntrup Nissan to complete PDR for you? You aren’t alone if you’re asking yourself those types of questions. Even now, plenty more people have heard about paintless dent repair (PDR) than actually know what it is. So, what is paintless dent repair? Essentially, PDR restores a car’s body to factory-like condition without costs going high or labor dragging out. It’s mainly used for dents and dings, body creases, and hail damage.

How Paintless Dent Repair Works

Wherever you go, a technician is going to carry paintless dent repair out in much the same way. They will generally complete the following steps:

  • Assess the Damage: Paintless dent removal fixes dents and dings from behind, so a technician will start by having a look at the area to determine the best way forward. Everything from size to location will be assessed to determine how damage can be effectively removed through PDR.
  • Access the Dent from Behind: In most cases, PDR happens behind the dent. Body panels and possible lights and interior panels will need to be moved to create a pathway to the dent. Technicians will use special light boards to get a perfect look at the offending dent. Shadows show exactly where pressure needs to be applied.
  • Apply Gentle Pressure to the Dent: Your technician will use special tools to massage the exterior panel back to its original position. This can usually be completed as a same-day service, though more severe dents may require a touch more time.

Why Look to a Professional for Paintless Dent Removal?

You can certainly tackle PDR by yourself if you understand how paintless dent repair works and have the requisite auto maintenance & repair experience, but it’s usually too difficult of a job for a layperson to tackle, and thus, it’s generally smarter to trust a professional to get this job done. Here are myriad reasons why:

  • Professionals use the latest tools to diagnose the problem and make repairs.
  • Professionals are unlikely to cause damage, such as breaking a trim panel.
  • Professionals are more likely to get your car looking like-new instead of just “better than before.”

Find Out More About How Paintless Dent Removal Works with Suntrup Nissan

If you need a dent put right, don’t hesitate to schedule service with Suntrup Nissan today. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us or drop by our service center — we’re just a quick drive from St Louis and Jefferson County.

 

More from Suntrup Nissan

  • Nissan Rogue Reliability: What the Data Shows

    If you’re looking for a quick answer: Yes, the current Nissan Rogue is a reliable compact SUV. The 2026 model carries a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100, a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, and only one minor recall on file. That said, the Rogue’s reliability story has a real wrinkle…

  • New Nissan Rogue for Sale in St. Louis, Near St. Charles & Florissant

    St. Louis drivers looking for a versatile, well-equipped compact SUV consistently land on the Nissan Rogue, and Suntrup Nissan is the local destination to find it. Located at 6000 S. Lindbergh Blvd, we carry the full Rogue lineup with competitive pricing, dealer specials, and a finance team ready to help shoppers from St. Charles, Florissant,…

  • Your 2026 Nissan Frontier Price Guide: Every Trim, Every Build

    Mid-size truck shoppers in St. Louis consistently look to the Nissan Frontier for its proven power, competitive pricing, and capable towing at every trim level. The 2026 Frontier lineup starts below $33,000 and climbs to a fully equipped off-road build for under $45,000, with a standard 310-horsepower V6 across every single configuration. At Suntrup Nissan…

Suntrup Nissan 38.5208643, -90.3438767.