Hail Damage Repair: PDR vs. Traditional Body Work at Colorworks

Unpredictable Canadian weather can bring sudden hailstorms that leave your vehicle looking like a golf ball. When it comes to restoring your car’s exterior, the two main paths are Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) and traditional body repair. At Colorworks, our goal is always to use the least invasive method possible. PDR is often the “gold standard” for hail damage because it allows our technicians to massage dents out from behind the panel without the need for sanding, fillers, or repainting. This not only speeds up the process but also ensures your vehicle retains its original factory finish, which is crucial for maintaining long-term resale value.

While PDR is incredibly effective for most hail-related dings, some storms are severe enough to require traditional auto body repair. If the hail was large enough to crack your paint or if the metal has been significantly stretched, a professional respray and panel work become necessary to prevent future rust and corrosion. Choosing between the two depends on the severity of the impact, and our certified team across Canada is trained to provide an honest assessment of which method is right for your specific situation.

Here is how the two methods compare:

  • Original Paint Preservation: PDR keeps your factory paint intact, while traditional repair involves color-matching and blending new paint.
  • Repair Timeline: PDR is significantly faster, often completed in a few days, whereas traditional repairs can take a week or more due to drying times.
  • Cost Efficiency: Because it requires fewer materials and less labor, PDR is generally the more budget-friendly and insurance-preferred option.
  • Damage Severity: Traditional repair is the only solution if the paint is chipped, cracked, or if the dent is located on a structural body line.
  • Eco-Friendly Choice: PDR is a “green” repair method that eliminates the use of chemicals, paints, and solvents.

Whether your car has a few minor dings or has suffered through a major catastrophic storm, Colorworks is here to help you navigate the repair process. We work closely with major Canadian insurance providers to streamline your claim and get you back on the road quickly. Don’t let hail damage diminish your vehicle’s beauty or value; visit one of our local shops for a free professional estimate and see if our specialized PDR services are the right fit for your car.

Damage Picture Tips

To help us better assess your damage, please use the following tips to take the best pictures possible to send us. Try and keep the resolution from medium to high. You can attach up to 5 pictures.
Take a picture from a distance so that we can see where the damage is in relation to your vehicle.
Take a close up, so we can see more of the detail of the damage.
A close up from another angle is always useful as well so we can see where the damage is in relation to other panels.

What is a VIN Number & Where to Find it

A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code used to identify a vehicle. It acts as a vehicle’s fingerprint, containing information about its manufacturer, year, make, model, and other key specifications.

PLEASE NOTE: Your vehicle’s VIN# does not include any personal information about you.

Two pictures to show where to locate your vehicle VIN number.
picture to show where to locate your vehicle VIN number.