If a heavy object fell onto your car's hood, an indentation in the metal may be apparent. Obviously, you won't want to drive around with a large dent at the forefront of your vehicle, but which type of repair will provide you with the best results, not set you back financially, or cause you to be without transportation for a long duration?

Traditional Repair Methods Require Extensive Steps

Some people choose to have traditional repairs completed, which involve adding body filler to a dented area, sanding the filler, and applying primer and automotive paint over the filler.

Although this type of repair work can be very effective, it is also time-consuming, and can be rather costly because of all the steps that need to be completed. If you choose to have the dent filled and repainted, you may be without viable transportation, or need to rent a vehicle that can be used for your transportation needs.

Applying body filler and paint to a dent IS necessary in some cases, such as if the original paint is chipped or cracked, but you may be able to have your car's body restored with paintless repair if the damage to the hood isn't severe.

Paintless Dent Repair Is A Non-Invasive Approach

Paintless dent repair needs to be completed by a certified dent repair technician. A technician uses a different approach than a standard dent removal. If you would like to know if your vehicle qualifies for paintless dent repair, look at the dented section to make sure that the paint is intact.

If the original paint job shows no signs of damage and the dent is the only imperfection noted, then a paintless repair is possible. A technician will assess the dent to determine how large and deep it is, and determine which tools they will need to press the metal back into shape.

A dentless repair is completed from the underside of the metal. If the dent can't easily be assessed, your vehicle's hood will be removed before the metal is reshaped. Paintless repairs can also be performed on side panels, and near bumpers and tail lights. 

Tools are used to slowly press automotive metal back into shape. Afterward, cleaning and waxing your vehicle's body will restore the metal's original luster. Repairs for hail damage and other types of damage that are a result of natural circumstances may even be covered by automotive insurance.