A practical look at how dents form, how panel damage is assessed, and which repair methods, tools and surface restoration techniques are commonly used.
Dents happen to almost every vehicle at some point. A stray shopping trolley, a hailstorm or a minor parking bump can leave marks ranging from a shallow ding to a deep crease. Understanding the type of damage is the first step toward choosing the right repair.
Common Dent Types
- Round dents caused by blunt impact such as hail or balls
- Creased dents formed when an object slides along a panel
- Sharp dents with a small, deep point of impact
- Edge dents along door and panel edges
Repair Methods
Paintless dent repair (PDR) uses specialised rods and glue tabs to massage metal back into shape without disturbing the factory paint. It works best when the paint is intact and the metal has not been stretched.
Conventional repair involves pulling or hammering the panel, applying body filler, sanding and repainting. It is used when paint is cracked or the damage is too severe for PDR.
Surface Restoration
After the shape is restored, technicians blend primer, base coat and clear coat to match the surrounding finish. Polishing and inspection under strong light ensure the repaired area is invisible from normal viewing angles.
