Could PDR be the future of auto body repair? St. Louis-based Elite Hail Systems explores the facts, and offers unique benefits to those in need of hail damage repair.
May 16th, 2025 saw one of the worst hail storms in recent memory strike the St. Louis metro area, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to vehicles across the city. Now, is reaching out to offer insights to those affected by this damaging event, and to anyone who might be impacted by the next big storm this season.
The storm this past May is not an isolated event; hail storms have been increasing in severity and number for several years, and according to the NIU Newsroom publication on the matter, scientists predict that this trend will continue. While cosmetic damage to vehicles is most common in these incidents, larger hail poses a greater threat to windshields, windows, and even the safety of the occupants, according to a .
While, ultimately, nothing can be done to prevent the storms themselves, repairing cosmetic damage to vehicles on a large scale is becoming a more efficient process, as Elite Hail Systems reported. They recently highlighted new PDR, or paintless dent repair, technologies, which may offer a number of benefits to consumers and auto body workers alike.
works as an alternative to traditional bodywork, and is most effective for small dents in the vehicle body—exactly the type that a hail storm might produce. PDR allows workers to deploy suction devices and body picks to manually remove dents without the need for chemical fillers, buffing devices, and other complex or potentially harmful processes.
More specifically, traditional bodywork, as Elite Hail Systems goes on to explain, often involves the use of harsh chemicals, requiring workers to wear protective equipment. Dent fillers also tend to generate microplastics and polymer waste in general, with many varieties containing particularly harmful VOCs, or volatile organic compounds.
Primarily due to a reduction in material costs, PDR may also be more accessible than traditional dent filling. The removal of chemical curing agents and the instant nature of the PDR process also makes it a faster option, allowing providers to service more vehicles in a reduced time frame.
As a leading provider of hail damage repair services in St. Louis, Elite Hail Systems recommends locating a professional auto body shop in your area before the next big hail event. These storms are unpredictable and can happen at any time, which is why it is so important to be proactive.
If you get caught in a hail storm, don't panic; repair services for minor cosmetic damage are highly affordable, and in many cases, cost assistance may even be available. As these storms become more common, knowing when and how to seek assistance will be of paramount importance across the country.
