Paintless Dent Removal vs Traditional Repairs: Which Is Better? | GVE London – Blog

Dents are frustrating, but living in an urban area with tight parking spots, runaway trolleys, and fellow drivers glued to their phones, they’re bound to show up on a vehicle eventually. Whether it’s a minor ding or a full accident repair job, you might find yourself wondering: what’s the best way to fix it?

The choice usually comes down to Paintless Dent Removal vs Traditional Repairs. Now comes the tough part, which is determining which one is better. Well, let’s find out.

What is Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)?

First, let’s understand what PDR actually is. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a technique to push or massage dents out from behind the panel, without sanding, filling, or repainting. No paint is touched, and no filler is used.

It’s commonly used for:

• Door dings
• Minor creases
• Hail damage
• Small dents where the paint hasn’t cracked or chipped

The tools used for PDR are special and requires a skilled technician, though the concept behind it is fairly straightforward. The results are often surprisingly impressive and the entire procedure is quick, clean and doesn’t affect the original paintwork.

Traditional Car Accident Repairs: What’s Involved?

Traditional bodywork repair is a more invasive process. Think of it this way: PDR is like a touch-up, while traditional bodywork is a full treatment. This process usually includes:

• Sanding the damaged area
• Applying filler to smooth the surface
• Priming, painting, and finishing with a clear coat

While it takes more time, effort, and money, it’s better suited for deeper dents, serious creases, or areas where the paint has been damaged. In such cases, a proper respray from a car bodyshop is often the only way to restore the vehicle’s appearance.

Read Also: The Role of Paint Matching in Luxury Car Repair

Which One is Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the damage.

Let’s say your car has just been inspected after a minor accident, and:

• The paint is intact
• The dent is shallow and accessible
• You want to preserve the original paint
• You’re after a quicker, more affordable fix

In that case, PDR is your best option. It can cost up to 60 percent less than traditional repairs and is often completed within a few hours.

On the other hand, if the report says:

• The paint is cracked or chipped
• The metal is stretched or torn
• The dent is deep or in a hard-to-reach spot
• You’ve had a major accident and the panel needs reshaping or replacement

Then, traditional bodywork is required. Skipping proper paintwork in these cases can reduce your car’s value or even expose it to rust.

What About Insurance?

Most insurers cover both repair types, depending on the extent of the damage. But keep in mind, some might lean toward the cheaper option. If it’s a lease return, resale, or you just care about the finish, it’s worth having a proper conversation with your repairer before making a decision.

The Verdict

Paintless Dent Removal vs Traditional Repairs isn’t about which one is better overall, but rather which one is better for your specific damage. If your car has a minor crease and the paint is perfect, PDR is quicker, cleaner, and preserves originality. If the damage includes chipped paint or distorted panels, traditional repair is the safer and more durable choice.

Whatever you choose, don’t cut corners. A rushed or low-quality repair can cost you more down the line. Bring your car to GVE London. We’ll inspect it thoroughly and advise you on the best course of action. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, modifications and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!