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How long does it take to remove a dent? Real workshop times
The short answer is 45 to 90 minutes for a parking dent. But some dents take half an hour and some take a whole afternoon. These are the real times from our workshop in Alcobendas and what makes them vary.
How long does a PDR technician take to remove a dent on average?
A parking dent takes 45 to 90 minutes; a coin-sized one, 30 to 60; a large bonnet or roof dent, 2 to 5 hours; and a hail-damaged car, 1 to 5 days.
These are typical times for each type of dent, from starting on the panel to checking it with you:
| Type of damage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Coin-sized dent (1–2 euro) | 30–60 min |
| Door ding or parking dent | 45–90 min |
| Trolley dent (soft and wide) | 45–75 min |
| Several dents on one panel | 1–2 h |
| Large bonnet or roof dent | 2–5 h |
| Hail, 30–40 dents | 1 day |
| Hail, more than 150 dents | 4–5 days |
What makes a dent repair take longer?
Lack of access from behind, having to remove parts, aluminium, body lines and resprayed panels are what add most time.
- Access. If we can get in through the window slot, it is quick. If a trim, light or roof lining has to come off, that time is added.
- Position. Near edges, hinges or bracing the work is slower.
- Material. Aluminium needs heat and shorter steps. See aluminium panel repair.
- Body lines. A dent on a style line has to come back without rounding off the crease.
- Resprayed paint. It is more fragile and needs more care.
PDR vs. body and paint: how much time do you lose with each?
Quick answer: with PDR the car is usually ready the same day; with body and paint, between prep, painting and drying, it normally stays in the shop for several days.
| Criterion | PDR (no paint) | Body and paint |
|---|---|---|
| Quote | From a photo, within 2 h | Usually at the shop |
| Repair | 45–90 min per dent | Prep, filler, paint and drying |
| Car off the road | Hours | 2 to 5 days |
| Can you wait | Yes | No |
Can I wait while my car is repaired?
Yes, for a parking dent you can wait at the workshop or have us come to your home or office and carry on with your day.
If you bring the car to the Alcobendas workshop, there is a waiting area. If you would rather not travel, our mobile dent repair service brings the same kit to your garage. For multi-day jobs such as hail damage, we give you a fixed delivery date.
To find out how long your case will take, the quickest way is to send us a photo. From it we give you a time and a price. More on the method in paintless dent repair.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions on this topic
How long does it take to remove a small dent?
A dent the size of a 1 or 2-euro coin, with good access, takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Can a dent be removed the same day?
In most cases, yes: a parking dent is usually repaired in a single visit.
Why does a small dent sometimes take longer than a large one?
Because access from behind and position matter most. A small dent next to a hinge or on a body line can take longer than a large one in the middle of a door.
Free quote from a photo
Can you send us a photo of the dent?
We reply with a fixed quote within two working hours, with no obligation.
Take 2 or 3 photos in daylight: one from a distance showing the whole panel and one at an angle where you can see the reflection bend. That is enough for us to tell you whether it can be repaired without paint, how long it takes and what it costs.
- C. Valgrande, 10, Nave 1, 28108 Alcobendas (Madrid)
- +34 673 50 67 93
- info@varillerocoche.es
- Monday to Friday: 9:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00
Tell us what happened to your car
We reply with your quote by phone or WhatsApp. You can attach up to 3 photos of the dent here or, if you prefer, send everything via WhatsApp.
Last updated: . Written and reviewed by David, PDR technician and founder of Varillero Coche.