When life happens, so do dents. Whether you’re parked on a busy street in East Lansing, caught behind a gravel-hauling truck on I-496, or returning from a tailgate near MSU with your buddy using your fender as a leaning post, dents and dings are part of vehicle ownership. But the good news? Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) can fix many of these common—and even frustrating—types of damage quickly, affordably, and without compromising your factory paint.
In this article, we’ll break down the types of dents PDR can handle, real-world examples around the Greater Lansing area, and when it’s time to consider traditional repair instead.
PDR is a non-invasive technique that uses specialized tools to gently massage dented metal back to its original shape—without sanding, filler, or repainting. It’s ideal for dents where the paint is intact and the damage hasn’t stretched or cracked the panel.
Did someone swing their car door open into yours at Meijer or Frandor Shopping Center? PDR is perfect for these small, localized dings, especially when the impact didn’t chip the paint.
Greater Lansing experiences severe hailstorms during spring and summer. Just ask residents of Williamston or Perry after last season’s cell passed through. Hail often causes dozens of small dents—PDR can remove them all, fast and affordably.
If your friend leaned too hard on your rear quarter panel after a night out in downtown Lansing, or a fallen branch from a sycamore in Old Town hit your fender, PDR can typically restore the damage—assuming the paint isn’t cracked.
Rolling carts, trash bins, or errant delivery bikes can easily dent side panels. These slow-impact dents are usually smooth and shallow—ideal candidates for PDR.
Living near heavy construction in Holt or Grand Ledge? Falling materials, loose tools, or tree branches during high winds can cause shallow roof dents. If there’s no paint damage, PDR can usually fix it.
Yes, PDR can even repair some creased dents and those along body lines. It depends on the sharpness of the dent and paint condition, but many customers from DeWitt to Webberville are surprised by how “impossible” dents can be reversed.
While PDR is amazing, it’s not a cure-all. Traditional dent repair may be needed when:
The paint is cracked, chipped, or missing.
The dent is sharp or has stretched the metal.
The damage is near panel edges or in hard-to-reach structural areas.
The metal is torn, punctured, or rusted.
We always provide a free assessment and will guide you to the best repair option for your situation.
Tornado aftermath: Residents in Webberville and Williamston called us after the I-96 tornado damaged their vehicles with debris. PDR was able to restore many of these cars within a day.
Downtown nightlife: After a Friday night in REO Town, one customer returned to find a dented rear quarter panel from someone leaning on their Mustang. We reversed the damage 100%—no paint, no filler, no trace.
Construction sites: Vehicles near road work on Waverly Road often pick up dents from gravel. PDR offers fast, affordable repairs without affecting resale value.
Preserves your original paint
Faster and more affordable
No chemicals or body fillers
Better for resale and the environment
If you’re unsure whether your dent qualifies for PDR, let us take a look. At A&D Collision and Glass, we provide honest evaluations and can often fix your vehicle the same day.
Serving drivers across Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, and beyond—we’re your trusted local partner in fast, paint-free dent repair.
Call now or schedule your free PDR estimate online. Don’t wait—your dent may be easier to fix than you think.
