Manitoba’s Hail Repair Experts: How Paintless Dent Removal Restores Your Vehicle Without Hassle
- Melissa Draycott
- Aug 26
- 6 min read
Introduction
Manitoba drivers know that summer can be unpredictable. One day, you’re enjoying sunshine on the Trans-Canada Highway, and the next, you’re caught in a sudden hailstorm that leaves your vehicle covered in dents. This August alone, severe weather hit communities across the province — from Winnipeg and Brandon to Portage la Prairie and beyond — bringing hailstones that damaged countless cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Hail damage isn’t just an eyesore. Left untreated, dents can lower your vehicle’s resale or trade-in value, and in some cases, stress the paint and open the door to rust over time. The good news is there’s a solution that’s fast, efficient, and doesn’t require repainting your vehicle: Paintless Dent Removal (PDR).
At Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Portage la Prairie, we’re proud to be known as Manitoba’s Hail Repair Experts. With MPI accreditation, advanced equipment, and a team trained in the latest techniques, we restore your vehicle quickly and seamlessly while preserving its original factory finish.
What is Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)?
Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a specialized technique that fixes vehicle dents without affecting your factory paint. Instead of sanding, filling, or repainting, technicians carefully push and massage dents out from behind the panel, or use pulling tools when access from behind isn’t possible. The result? Your car looks like it did before the storm — with its original paint intact.
Core Principles of PDR - Manitoba Hail Repair
No fillers or paint required – dents are removed while preserving your original finish.
No risk of colour mismatch – your vehicle’s factory paint remains untouched.
Eco-friendly approach – since there’s no painting or chemical use, PDR is more environmentally friendly than traditional body repairs.
This makes PDR the preferred choice for hail damage across Manitoba.
Why Hail Damage is a Big Deal in Manitoba
Living in the Prairies means living with extreme weather. Summer storms roll in quickly, and hailstones can range from pea-sized to golf-ball-sized or larger. August 2025 was a stark reminder of this, as multiple storms swept across Manitoba, leaving behind significant vehicle damage.
Some drivers think, “It’s just a few dents — I’ll live with it.” But untreated hail damage can cause bigger issues:
Resale Value: Even minor dents can knock thousands off your vehicle’s trade-in value.
Appearance: Multiple dents across a hood or roof make a vehicle look neglected.
Rust Risk: Paint stressed by hail impacts can weaken, eventually leading to rust.
By addressing hail damage right away with PDR, Manitoba drivers protect both the look and the value of their vehicles.
How Paintless Dent Removal Works: Step-by-Step
1. Assessing the Hail Damage
The first step is a detailed inspection. Our team at Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM carefully examines your vehicle to determine whether PDR is the right solution. We note the number, size, and location of dents and prepare documentation for your insurance claim.
2. Accessing the Dents
To reach dents, technicians may remove trim panels, taillights, or other components. This gives them the ability to work behind the panel without causing additional damage.
3. Restoring the Shape
Using specialized rods, picks, and sometimes glue-pulling systems, our experts gently massage the metal back into place. In some cases, heat is applied to relax the metal and make it more pliable.
4. Final Finish
The process is precise. Any small imperfections are smoothed, and the panel is checked under specialized lighting to ensure a flawless finish.
PDR vs. Traditional Auto Body Repair
Traditional body repair methods often involve:
Sanding down the area.
Applying body filler.
Repainting and blending colours.
While effective, this approach is more expensive, time-consuming, and risks colour mismatches. In contrast, PDR:
Keeps your original paint and finish.
Is usually faster — often completed within 24–48 hours.
Is typically less costly.
Works especially well for hail dents, which are usually small and shallow.
Benefits of Paintless Dent Removal
Preserves Original Paint and Finish
Your vehicle’s factory paint is durable and designed to withstand years of driving. By keeping it intact, PDR ensures your vehicle maintains its original look and value.
Cost-Effective
Because there’s no need for new paint, fillers, or extended labour, PDR is typically more affordable than traditional repairs.
Faster Turnaround
Most hail damage repairs at Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM can be completed within a day or two. That means you spend less time without your vehicle.
Eco-Friendly Repair
Since PDR avoids chemicals, paints, and fillers, it’s a greener choice that reduces waste and emissions.
MPI Accreditation: Peace of Mind for Manitoba Drivers
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is that we’re MPI-accredited.
That means:
We meet Manitoba Public Insurance’s strict repair standards.
We work directly with MPI to streamline your claim.
You can trust that the repair methods and technicians are held to the highest standards.
When hail strikes, this accreditation ensures your vehicle is in the right hands.
Why Choose Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM for Hail Repair?
Local Experts: Serving Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, Brandon, and surrounding Manitoba communities.
Experience: Our collision repair team includes technicians with decades of combined experience including Paintless Dent Removal.
Convenience: Easy drop-off, quick turnaround, and seamless coordination with MPI.
Full-Service Collision Centre: From dents to windshield replacements, we handle it all.
When a hail storm hits, finding the right repair shop makes all the difference in restoring your vehicle. At Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, our expert PDR technicians use advanced tools and techniques in paintless dent repair to remove dents quickly and effectively. Unlike some body shops that rely on fillers or repainting, our auto body repair services focus on preserving your factory finish while ensuring the best results. Every hail claim is handled with care, supported by our direct partnership with Manitoba Public Insurance for a smooth repair process. With state-of-the-art equipment and decades of experience in collision repair, we evaluate the severity of damage and provide tailored solutions that fit your needs.
Backed by exceptional customer service, Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM remains Manitoba’s trusted choice for reliable, efficient hail and dent repair.
📍 Location: 2599 Saskatchewan Ave W, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4A5📞 Phone: (204) 857-3458
Additional Services for Hail-Damaged Vehicles
Dent and Ding Repairs
Not every dent comes from hail. Shopping cart bumps, door dings, and other small impacts are also easily fixed with PDR.
Windshield Repair and Replacement
Many hailstorms cause both body dents and cracked windshields. Our collision centre can inspect your glass and determine whether a repair or full replacement is needed for safety.
Comprehensive Vehicle Inspections
After a severe storm, we can provide a full inspection to ensure your vehicle is safe — from structural integrity to tire condition.
Manitoba Driver’s Checklist: What to Do After Hail Damage
Inspect in daylight – check all panels, roof, and hood.
Take photos – document dents for your insurance claim.
Contact MPI – start your claim as soon as possible.
Book with Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM – we’ll coordinate with MPI, provide an estimate, and schedule repairs quickly.
FAQs
1. What does a hail repair expert do?
A hail repair expert specializes in restoring vehicles damaged by hail using techniques like Paintless Dent Removal.
2. How does Paintless Dent Removal work?
Technicians use tools to gently push dents out from behind panels or pull them from the outside, leaving the paint intact.
3. Can all dents be fixed with PDR?
Most hail dents can. However, very sharp or deep dents, or damage where paint is cracked, may require traditional repair.
4. How long will repairs take?
Most vehicles can be repaired within one day, depending on severity.
5. Will this affect my insurance?
Hail repairs are typically covered under comprehensive insurance, and with MPI, the claims process is straightforward.
Conclusion
When hailstorms sweep across Manitoba, damage is almost unavoidable. But fixing it doesn’t have to be stressful. With Paintless Dent Removal at Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, you get fast, affordable, and environmentally friendly hail repair that preserves your vehicle’s factory finish.
Our MPI-accredited team has helped countless drivers across Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, Brandon, and beyond restore their vehicles after storms — and we’re here to help you too.
Don’t wait until the next hailstorm hits. Protect your vehicle’s appearance and value today by booking your hail repair appointment with Manitoba’s trusted experts.
👉 Contact us at (204) 857-3458 or visit us at 2599 Saskatchewan Ave W, Portage la Prairie, MB to get started.
Melissa Draycott is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the automotive industry. As a key member of the management team at Dunn Automotive, Melissa has developed a comprehensive understanding of both current and past vehicle models. Her extensive knowledge spans various domains, including finance, sales, service, and marketing. Throughout her career, Melissa has adeptly navigated the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, contributing to the growth and success of Dunn Automotive.
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