What is bonnet dent repair?
A bonnet is two layers: a thin outer skin and a stiff inner frame bonded to it at several points. Dents on open skin areas are pushed from below through the frame's holes; dents directly over a bonded brace are pulled with glue from the top and refined. Dents near the front edge and the wing gaps are the hardest because the skin is folded over the frame there.
Because the bonnet sits in the driver's eyeline, even a slight remaining low spot is noticeable — so bonnet repairs are checked under the light from the driver's seat height as well as from the front.
Dents suitable for this service
- Hail dents across the bonnet
- Dents from fallen branches, fruit, tools and objects
- Pressure dents from leaning or closing with an object inside
- Soft dents near the centre and the sides of the bonnet
When PDR may not be suitable
- Dents with chipped paint from stone impacts
- Dents on the folded front edge or hem
- Dents over a fully bonded brace with no room for glue pulling
Benefits
- No repainting of the panel you look at every time you drive
- Original paint and clear coat kept — no difference in gloss or texture
- Usually completed the same day
- Insulation pad refitted, nothing replaced
How Dry Denter assesses the damage
Photograph the bonnet from the front at a low angle and from the side so a straight reflection crosses the dent. Mention if the bonnet is aluminium (common on newer models) — it is repairable but needs different tools.
Repair process
- Photo assessment
- Bonnet opened, insulation pad released where necessary
- Dent located from below through frame openings
- Pushed up in gentle passes; glue pulling over braces
- High spots tapped down and reflection checked at driver height
- Pad refitted and surface cleaned
How long does it take?
Single bonnet dents usually take 30 minutes to 2 hours. Hail on the bonnet is priced by dent count and can take half a day or more.
Common questions about bonnet dent repair
Can an aluminium bonnet be repaired with PDR?
Often yes, with more time and care because aluminium is stiffer and has less memory than steel. We confirm from photos and, if enabled, list it under our aluminium panel service.