PDR vs. Do it Yourself Repair Kit

black mustang

You come out of the movie theatre feeling thrilled because of the movie you just saw. You never quite understood the twist at the end, but you tell yourself that not knowing is part of the fun. But while you hear your friends debate continuously – trying to make sense of what they saw – a dreadful sight pours cold chilly water over your blazing emotions.

Your Cadillac has sustained a dent on the door, and it just doesn’t look the same anymore. It feels like a punch in the gut because you’ve been so protective of your car all this time. A situation like this leaves many people reaching for two possible options that offer to make sense of the mayhem that has ensued.

A Do it Yourself Repair Kit?

The do it yourself repair kits you see online are designed in a way that they implore you. These repairs kits “claim” that without the help of a professional, you can get rid of the most annoying dents yourself. They tell you to stop paying a professional for the job because you can do it all yourself – but how much truth is there to this bold statement?

In some cases, DIY kits can work but to be fair – in those cases, you don’t need a DIY kit for a repair either. DIY kits are made for small repairs that can be fixed without a professional. If you have time and patience for a DIY kit – it might work for you, but then again, doing it wrong can have disastrous consequences as well.

The point is – a DIY kit is not the perfect solution. You’re going to need a lot of patience and some experience repairing dents to make sure everything goes right for you.

DIY Won’t Always Work

In some situations, even the most experienced and skilled home technicians can’t fix dents with a DIY kit. The dent either won’t change at all, or your relentless efforts will make the dent bubble out on the other side of the car.
Even though your DIY kit will come with tools that are supposed to stop this from happening, it’s a very easy mistake to make. And once the dent has bubbled out – your problems have just increased four-folds.

Leave It To the Professionals

There’s nothing like PDR repair from a professional.

Because the professional has done this procedure more times than you can probably imagine – leave their job to them. Not only are they certified experts in the field – but they also work for your best interest. Our technicians at Appearance 1st Automotive, make sure they make every paintless dent repair as affordable and safe for the customer as possible.

Since the PDR process is a lot quicker than a traditional dent repair, customers leave with their car a lot quicker, too. If your car has sustained damages in Jacksonville, Florida– drop by our shop anytime, or call us 904-664-9088 to get a free estimate of your damages.

PDR Hail Damage Estimate Process

PDR on hail damaged car

We can all agree that Jacksonville, Florida, has unpredictable weather. We’ve all come to befriend rainstorms with the passage of time, but the one kind of weather we’re still trying to accept is a hailstorm. Being stuck in a hailstorm is one of the most helpless situations you can find yourself in. Not only can hail damage your home, but it can also leave devastating effects on your car. 

Quite normally, a car is one of the first few things we check after a hailstorm hits our area. Seeing several dimples on your car after a hailstorm is a heartbreaking experience – to say the least. You automatically think of getting your hood replaced, or your car door replaced because when damage is that catastrophic, you think of spending a lot.  

But is that the only way?

Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is the modern way of repairing a dent. When a certified technician at Appearance 1st Automotive uses PDR to repair the dents and dings on your vehicle, they massage the dents from the back until the shape of your car restores to its original shape. 

The Advantages of PDR

  • When your car is shipped from the factory, it comes with a protective coating on top of the paint that keeps the paint from scraping off. When you opt for an auto body shop repair, the technician drills two holes around the dent and then fills that space with body fillers. They then paint over the dent to make it look like your car has been repaired. But when you opt for PDR, this protective layer isn’t compromised.
  • PDR is a lot quicker! Most cars that come into the shop with small dents and dings leave on the same day, depending on the damage the car has sustained. This is also because the PDR process is a lot simpler than a traditional dent repair. 
  • Since PDR requires few materials to repair the dent, it is a lot cheaper, too. 

But one should also bear in mind that not every dent can be fixed with PDR. If a dent is too big, and if the metal of the car has a tear, there isn’t much that can be fixed by PDR. 

Estimating the Price of the Repair

To give an accurate price quote for every repair, a PDR technician follows a process that gives them a price for your repair.  This is usually a process, rather than simple guesswork. 

Cleaning the Vehicle

The vehicle is first cleaned so the dents can be visible. A dirty vehicle might hide dents on some occasions.

Lighting

The appropriate lighting is crucial for the repair process. A PDR technician usually uses a light strip of LEDs for this task. Fluorescent bulbs can also be used. 

Dent Size

PDR technicians usually use the US coin estimate to calculate the size of the dent. The sizes can be:

  • Dime
  • Nickel
  • Quarter
  • Half dollar

Please call us for a free estimate today at 904-664-9088.

FAQs About Dent Repair with PDR

Black Porsche

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is the modern way of repairing a dent. With the help of this procedure, certified technicians like Appearance 1st Automotive can remove small dents and dings from your vehicle. A technician does this by massaging the back of your vehicle’s dent with special tools that they are equipped with. 

Will the Paint Of My Vehicle Be Damaged?

Unlike a traditional auto body repair, PDR does not damage the paint on your car’s body. To repair dents the PDR way, the technician uses a massager to massage the body of the car back into its original place. The paint of your car also has a protective coating over it, which prevents the paint from chipping off, or it can help save your car from cracks. 

A traditional auto body repair destroys this protective coating, too, while PDR lets it stay intact. 

Can Any Dent Be Fixed?

No.

Even though at Appearance 1st Automotive, it is our priority to fix every dent with PDR – in some situations, our hands are tied. Larger dents or dents that tear the sheet of the metal on your car can’t be repaired with PDR. Dents that can be repaired with PDR are:

Round Dents

These dents are usually classified as hail repair or can be caused by a basketball, football, or baseball. These dents are pretty common and can be repaired easily with PDR.

Dings

Dings are pretty common, too. Dings are usually caused when a car is parked in the parking lot of a shopping mall or in a crowded place. Other cars or shopping carts can easily cause dings on your vehicle, but you don’t have to worry! Dings can be easily repaired with PDR, too.

Creases

Creases are complex dents that can be caused by storms. They stretch the body of your vehicle to a dangerous extent and for a very long time, repairing these dents with PDR was not possible. However, with advancements in PDR technology, these dents are repairable by PDR, too. 

If your car has any of these dents, or even dents apart from these, contact Appearance 1st Automotive for expert repairs!

Does PDR Have Benefits?

Yes.

Compared to the traditional method of repairing dents, PDR can have several advantages. 

  • It’s affordable. The traditional method of repairing dents drilled holes around the dented area and filled the dented area with body fillers. After the process was complete, this part of the car was repainted. This process reduced the value of the car, and it’s structural integrity. At the same time, PDR  does not use body fillers or paint to repair the dent. The value of your car is not affected. 
  • PDR is also a lot quicker. Most cars that come into the shop for a PDR leave in a day, depending on the repairs needed. However, a traditional auto body repair can take up quite some time. 

PDR is also environmentally friendly since no harmful chemicals are used to repair the dents.

Can Paintless Dent Repair Fix It?

PDR on car

Even the smallest dent or ding in your car’s body can ruin its appearance. Dents not only make your car look ugly, but they also lower the resale value of your car. But realistically, not getting any dent on your vehicle in Jacksonville, Florida, is an unlikely scenario. Unless you wrap your car in bubble wrap and never drive it, dents will happen. 

Random objects, hail, or auto collisions cause all kinds of damage to vehicles every year. Getting a dent repaired in the traditional way can be costly if a dent repair is a frequent occurrence. So what can be the solution?

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is an economical and environmentally friendly way of repairing a dent. Compared to a traditional dent repair, a PDR is much less time-consuming and a lot more affordable. Getting a dent removed with PDR can have several advantages, some of those are:

Protects the Body Of Your Car

When you buy a new car from a showroom, it comes with a protective coating from the factory over the paint. This protective coating keeps the paint from feeling off and protects the structural integrity of your car. When you get a traditional dent repair, the technician uses fillers, which destroy this coating. This can be bad for your car’s body in the long run. 

However, when you get a PDR, the coating isn’t compromised. The technician massaged the dent from the back, and the dent is removed without using any additional fluid. 

It’s Quick!

Depending on the dent or ding your car has, the PDR process can be relatively quick. Most of the cars that come into the shop can leave the same day. We understand how important it is to have your car with you at all times in Jacksonville, Florida. That is why our expert technicians make sure every repair is done at the earliest. 

But with that being said, it is also worth noting that not every dent can be fixed with PDR. 

What Can PDR Fix?

Round Dent

A hail storm, football, basketball, or baseball often causes these dents. When these objects collide with the body of your car with force, a dent can form. Since this isn’t serious damage, a PDR can fix this dent in no time. 

Car Dings

These types of dings occur when your car is parked in a parking lot or from objects flying on a typical windy day. Most of the damage caused by these situations is relatively easy to repair, even if it’s a scratch, crack, or chip in the paint. A PDR can preserve the value of your car. People often expect used cars to have dents or scratches, but if your car looks new, it can sell for a good price. 

Creases

This dent can typically be more time-consuming. While it can stretch the metal of your car, it can still be repaired with PDR. 

If your car has received any of the damages that we’ve listed, do not hesitate to call Appearance 1st Automotive! We can also give you a free estimate for your repair needs. Call or text us at 904-664-9088.

Increasing Your Car’s Value Before Selling

PDR on a blue car

If you’re looking to get rid of your old car in Jacksonville, Florida, you’re going to find many buyers who are willing to take your old car off your hands. It is also worth noting that several people undersell their vehicles. You can easily sell your car for a much higher price if you take some time to give it some small repairs. 

Not only does this process have several advantages for you, but it is also fair to the buyer. But before you consider the advantages of getting some work done on your vehicle, what kind of repairs do you exactly need?

Washing And Detailing Your Car

Your vehicle can easily make a good impression if it is clean from the inside and the outside. If your car is clean, it is likely that the dealer will think you’ve taken good care of your vehicle and will give you a good price. If you’re taking this into your own hands, make sure you use soap that is meant for a car wash and not dishwashing soap. 

It would also be best to use a sponge that is made for a car wash. If you can’t find a relevant sponge, you can use a towel. 

Dents And Dings Removal

Appearance 1st Automotive in Jacksonville, Florida, is a specialist for the job. We specialize in using PDR to remove dents from vehicles. If your car has several dents, then you should consider getting a paintless dent repair. A paintless dent repair is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Unlike a traditional repair, a PDR first isolates the dented part of your vehicle. 

Then, a professional technician massages the dent from the back until the body of the car returns to its original state. Not only is this way of repairing a dent quick, but it also preserves the protective coating on your car.  This prolongs the life of a car’s body and makes your car look brand new. 

Chipped Windshield Repair

A chipped windshield can take many dollars off the selling price because it’s a damage that is very easy to notice. Not only is it a kind of damage that looks bad, but it also puts the buyer of the car in danger. The worst part is, the chipped part of your windshield can spread and turn into a crack without you knowing; that is why you should get this repair done at your earliest.

Getting repairs done on your vehicle can have several advantages for you too. 

You Can Get a Better Deal

Of course, once your car looks fresh – any dealer would be willing to give you a better price for your car. A fresh car also shows the dealer that you were on preserving the health of your car, so it might not have suffered any damages.

Ensures Safety

Even though this might not benefit you directly, but a repair can also ensure that the next person buying the car will have a safe driving experience. No one would like to hear that a person who bought a car from them got into an accident because of a chipped windshield. 

If you’re looking to get a windshield repair or to get some dents removed – call Appearance 1st Automotive for a free estimate.

PDR vs. Traditional Auto Body Shop Repair

Blue Car

Just about every vehicle can pick up a dent or a ding. When it’s about repairing minor damage on your vehicle, there are several options you can choose from. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a somewhat radical procedure of fixing a dent when compared to a traditional way of repairing a dent. A PDR is a lot quicker, and it protects your car from losing value, too. 

If you’re wondering how PDR would fare against a traditional body repair – you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you should know about paintless dent repair, and how it fares when compared to a traditional dent repair. 

PDR Vs. Traditional Body Repair: The Process

Through PDR, a certified technician at Appearance 1st Automotive repairs the dented body panels on your vehicle. This repair process restores the panels back to the same condition they were when your car came from the factory. PDR also does not cause any harm to the paint of the car. 

To make sure that the technician can see every dent, they use LED reflection lights so they can see the smallest of dents on the vehicle. Because of the lighting, the technician knows where the fix is needed, and therefore, they can massage the panel on that specific spot.

On the other hand, if you opt for a traditional auto body repair, the technician will weld holes into the body of your car, and will then fill these holes with fillers. Conventional repairs also include sprays that are harmful to the environment. 

PDR Vs. Traditional Body Repair: The Price

The traditional method of repairing a dent is a lot costlier than PDR. That is simply because the traditional method includes sanding, painting repaired areas, and then bonding them together. This process is suitable in that situation where PDR can’t be applied. 

A traditional dent repair can cost somewhere around $3,000, while a PDR is much cheaper. PDR also provides results that are durable since it doesn’t affect the protective coating your car comes with from the factory. 

Insurance Companies Prefer PDR

Many car owners dread the idea of getting a car repair because it results in some deductibles in their insurance policy. But on the other hand, a PDR offers car owners to bring back some of the vehicle’s life. Because a PDR restores some of your car’s health, insurers prefer when their clients get a PDR. Some insurance companies even recommend their clients to get a PDR. 

It Is Environmentally Friendly

Compared to traditional body repair, a PDR is a lot more environmentally friendly. A traditional body repair includes a lot of sprays and fluids that release harmful chemicals into the air. These chemicals are bad for the environment. Unlike traditional body repair, the PDR process does not involve any harmful chemicals. The repair is done with simple tools, which is why it is a lot safer.

If you live in Jacksonville, Florida, and your car has dings or dents, you should call Appearance 1st Automotive to get your car fixed. We can also give you a free estimate of your damages.

Here’s Why You Should Get A Windshield Chip Repaired

A chipped windshield is one kind of damage people often ignore. While it may look like it’s something you can ignore, often a windshield repair is truly necessary. Even though your car’s windshield was damaged by something as little as a stone, not getting it repaired can get you into some serious trouble. 

Quite simply, your windshield is one of the important parts of your car. A chipped windshield can put your life in danger; therefore, it might be best to take care of it right away. Even though the repair can look small at first, if ignored, it can gradually develop into a costly repair. A chip can grow if pressure is applied, and this can come from several sources. 

Here are some of the most prominent reasons why you should get a chipped windshield repaired:

They Can Quickly Turn Into Cracks

Unlike a dent or a ding that your car gets, a chipped windshield is a completely different ball game. Dents tend to stay in the same position, but a chipped windshield gradually begins to spread. When your car moves, extra pressure is applied to the chipped area. This forces the chip to turn into a crack – and once you’ve got a crack, your windshield might not be repairable. 

A cracked windshield has to be often replaced entirely, and this can drive up the costs by a great deal. 

A Chip Can Be Repaired Easily

When you hire a professional like Appearance 1st Automotive, you hire an expert for the task. Our certified technicians in Jacksonville, Florida are ready for every job with the appropriate tools. For our professionals, repairing a chip is a relatively easy process that can be done in 10 to 15 minutes. This process can also be free for you if you have car insurance!

Your Insurance Won’t Cover A Crack

As we mentioned earlier, your insurance can cover something as small as a chip. It’s an easy repair, and even if it isn’t covered, it won’t cost you a lot of money. But if that chip turns into a crack – no policy can save you. That is why it is vital that you get that chip repaired quickly. Not only is it compromising your safety, but it is also compromising your financial wellbeing!

Chips and Cracks Obstruct Your Vision

Apart from the literal shards hanging off your windshield, a windshield can also make it hard to see the road. The chip might be easy to ignore if it’s in the corner, but trust us – it won’t stay there for a long time. As pressure is applied, it will slowly spread and reach parts of the windshield that are necessary for you to see. 

When this happens, you won’t be able to see what’s on the road, and we do not recommend driving in a situation like this. If your windshield has been chipped, it’s essential you get it repaired quickly. 

Call Appearance 1st Automotive for a free estimate, or get an appointment scheduled for a windshield repair today!

All you Need to Know about PDR in Clay County

Dented Porsche

PDR is also known as paintless dent repair, a non-invasive, environmentally-friendly restoration process that repairs an automobile’s body back to its factory-like form. It is popular for being a cost-effective and time-saving procedure.  

Paintless dent repair is used to remove small or large dents and dings from a vehicle without ruining the original paint of the vehicle. The PDR process comprises of the following essential steps outlined below: 

PDR Techniques and Process

Every day, Appearance 1st Automotive PDR technicians safely reinstate automobiles to their original factory condition without compromising the surface finishing and also taking care of the customer’s wallet

Appearance 1st Automotive provides this service to multiple places in Clay County. Including Orange Park, Argyle Forest, Oakleaf Plantation, Middleburg, Penney Farms, Green Cove Springs, and Doctor’s Inlet.

Evaluate the Damage

The initial step to any restoration process is to assess the damage. Consider the location of the car ding, its size, and how to best get to that dent. Once the assessment of the dent is complete, the area around the damage is prepared for repair.  

Access to the Dent

In most conditions, paintless dent repair requires the technician to access the ding’s backside, which means cautiously detaching body panels, interior panels, and tail lights. To execute PDR, a pathway to the damage is created. Once it is accessible, the repair process can begin.

 

Close up of the Dent

A special light board is used to give the technicians a better look at the dent from their point of view. It displays a shadow of the ding, showing the technician where to place tools on the dent’s backside to pull the body back to its original state.

The PDR process can be finished within a single day, depending on the dent’s severity.

Traditional Repair Time vs. PDR Repair Time

The paintless dent repair is undoubtedly a quick and inexpensive way to get your vehicle back in its original state. A brief comparison between the restoration time of PDR and traditional dent repair process has been shown below:

Dent Type Traditional Dent Repair Time PDR Time
Hail Repair 1 to 2 weeks 1 to 2 days
Minor Damage 3 to 5 days 2 to 3 hours
Door Indentations 3 to 5 days Single day

Looking for an Experienced Professional in Clay County?

Appearance 1st Automotive has been in the automobile repairing industry for over a decade and provides high-quality repairs at affordable rates. We also provide home service repairs, so no need to worry about your car sitting in a workshop for days.

Call us at 904-478-0321 to get an absolutely free quote for your repairs! 

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring A PDR Technician

Ian Lamb car dent removal

As a vehicle owner, you want to be sure that your vehicle is getting the best repairs in town. This will only be possible by hiring a technician who understands the importance of customer satisfaction. This is especially when you’re choosing paintless dent repair for the first time. You may have numerous questions, and that’s why Appearance 1st Automotive recommends hiring a technician who’ll explain your concerns in detail. Here are the questions you should ask:

Are You Certified and Licensed?

For a technician to provide paintless dent repair services in Florida, they must be certified and licensed. This is a guarantee that they’ve undergone extensive training and practice to attain the set standards. A good technician will be willing to provide their certification and licensure documents. 

How Long Will the Repairs Take?

The repair time will entirely depend on the extent of the damages and the expertise of your ideal technician. Once an experienced technician receives your car, they’ll be able to give a precise estimate of the time to be taken. With a skilled technician, you’ll be able to get your vehicle back in less than a day.

How Will You Match the New Paint to The Original Color?

You’re probably choosing PDR in St. John’s County because you want your vehicle to retain the original appeal. A certified technician should be able to explain the method they’re going to use to satisfy your requirements. Skilled technicians from Appearance 1st Automotive will use paint codes from the manufacturer as well as specialized tools in this process. This guarantees the retention of your vehicle’s original color. 
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Get Paintless Dent Repair in Jacksonville, Florida

Dent on bumper of a silver car

Got unseemly dents, dings, scratches or chips on your vehicle? These pesky damages can make your car look unattractive and old. They can also drive down the resale price of your vehicle. Repairing these can be a hassle, especially with all of the different tools and skills involved in doing a perfect dent repair job.

If you’re living in Jacksonville, Florida or surrounding areas, you can easily get paintless dent repair from the comfort of your home. Certified technicians at Appearance 1st Automotive will come over and do the repairs which will leave your ride looking spotless and brand new.

What Is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a method of getting rid of dents from the body of your motor vehicle without scuffing, fillers or paint work. It is also more affordable compared to the conventional, old-school dent repair methods.

PDR is an effective way of repairing your car dings and dents without it ever seeming like you got a dent in the first place. It is most commonly used for hail damage, door dings, larger dents, bodyline damages, and minor creases. It can be done if the damage has left the paint surface intact. Continue reading