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What’s the difference between minor dent repairs and major dent repairs?


The main difference between minor dent repairs and major dent repairs is the size and severity of the dent. Minor dents are typically less than half an inch in diameter and do not damage the paint. Major dents are larger than half an inch in diameter and may damage the paint.

Minor dent repairs can often be done using paintless dent repair (PDR), which is a non-destructive method that uses specialised tools to push the dent back out from the inside. To find out more about the difference between PDR And paint repair click here. PDR is a good option for minor dents because it does not require any paintwork, which can save you time and money. It also means you won’t be invalidating any warranty with the manufacturer too. If you choose to go with a mobile dent repairer like Dial A Dent, then you will find the costs much more affordable than a car body shop.

Major dent repairs may require more extensive methods, such as pulling the dent out from the outside and carrying out paint repairs or even replacing the damaged panel entirely. These repairs are typically more expensive and time-consuming than PDR. However you can still keep the costs down by using a mobile car body repair company like Dial A Dent.

Here is a table summarising the key differences between minor dent repairs and major dent repairs:

FeatureMinor Dent RepairMajor Dent Repair
Size of dentLess than half an inch in diameterLarger than half an inch in diameter
Paint damageNo paint damageMay damage the paint
Repair methodPaintless dent repair (PDR)Pulling the dent out from the outside, replacing the damaged panel entirely, or a combination of methods
CostCheaper than a major dent repair. £More expensive than a minor dent repair ££
TimeLess than two hoursAround 4 hours but can be more or less depending on the severity of the dent

Ultimately, the best way to repair a dent depends on the size and severity of the dent, as well as your budget and time constraints. If you have a minor dent, PDR is a good option that is typically quick and affordable. If you have a major dent, you may need to consider more extensive repairs, such as pulling the dent out from the outside.

What can you do to bring the costs down of your car dent repair?

We’ve mentioned the difference between a mobile car body repairer and a car body shop in another article but in case you missed it here’s the highlights. Using a company like Dial A Dent, a mobile car body repair company, is much more affordable than going to a car body shop. You also have the added convenience that we come to you at a time to suit you and so you aren’t without your car for longer than you need to be. No arranging for an Uber to pick you up from the car body shop and to take you back. You merely walk out of your front door and can see the progress coming along.

Another benefit is the results which is the most important factor. We use SMART repair techniques which is the latest car body repair technique in the industry. The results are indistinguishable from factory paint and the job, if carried out by Dial A Dent, are second to none. We’ve got an excellent reputation and over 30 years of doing car dent repairs so there is nothing we haven’t seen.

Want to get a quote for your car dent repair?

If you’re looking to get a quote with us and you’re local to Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey and some parts of Greater London (view all the areas we cover here) then head to our contact page and complete our form, or give us a call.