PDR vs. Traditional Auto Body Repair: What’s Best for Your Vehicle?
If your car has a dent, ding, or crease, you might be wondering what the best repair method is. Should you go with Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), or is traditional auto body repair the right choice?
At Modern Auto Body in Edmonton, Alberta, we specialize in both methods — and as a factory-certified collision repair centre for 14 luxury and performance brands, we know how to restore your vehicle to its original condition with precision and care.
Here’s how these two repair options compare, and how to decide which one is best for your vehicle.
What Is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?
Paintless Dent Repair is a non-invasive technique used to remove minor dents without sanding, body fillers, or repainting. Our certified technicians use specialized tools to gently push or pull the dent from behind the panel, allowing the metal to return to its original shape — all without affecting your factory paint.
PDR is ideal for:
Hail damage
Door dings
Small to midsize dents
Minor creases
Damage where the paint is still intact
What Is Traditional Auto Body Repair?
Traditional auto body repair involves more invasive techniques like sanding, filling, and repainting the affected area. It’s often used when the paint is scratched, chipped, or cracked — or when the damage is severe enough to require panel replacement or structural repairs.
Traditional repair is necessary for:
Major collision damage
Scratches, chips, and paint cracks
Deep or complex dents
Rust repair
Structural or frame damage
What Are the Key Differences?
Paintless Dent Repair is faster, typically completed within the same day or the next, making it a great option for minor dents. It’s also more cost-effective, since it doesn’t require paint, filler, or extra materials. Most importantly, PDR preserves your original factory paint, which helps maintain your vehicle’s value — especially for luxury and performance vehicles.
In contrast, traditional repair is often the only solution when the damage is more extensive or when the paint is compromised. This process takes longer — sometimes several days — and generally comes with a higher cost due to the need for materials, paint matching, and more involved labor. While it’s not as quick or clean as PDR, it’s essential for fixing serious damage safely and properly.
Certified to Repair the Best
At Modern Auto Body, we’re proud to be factory certified for 14 luxury and performance brands. Whether you drive a European sports car, a high-end SUV, or a luxury sedan, our OEM-certified technicians follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure every repair meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and finish.
When you choose us, you get:
Manufacturer-approved repair techniques
Advanced technology and precision tools
Factory-matched paint systems
Trusted repairs for premium and performance vehicles
Not Sure Which Repair Option You Need?
We’re here to help. Bring your vehicle to Modern Auto Body for a free estimate, and our experienced technicians will assess the damage and guide you toward the best repair solution — whether that’s quick, efficient PDR or a full traditional body repair.
