COMMON QUESTIONS
Dent Repair FAQs
My car has a dent! What should I do?
All you need to do is call our shop, stop by during normal business hours, or schedule your FREE estimate online. We estimate all repairs in person at our location in West Knoxville. Once we determine whether or not PDR is the best solution for your vehicle, we can schedule you for repairs at your convenience.
Can my dent/ding be repaired without painting?
Depending on the location and size of dent, we can repair most automotive body panels back to their original condition WITHOUT painting. We repair door dings, shopping cart and trash can dents, minor collision, acorn dings, and hail damaged vehicles.
How long does dent repair take?
Depends. One dent can take as little as an hour, others are an all-day process. We are able to provide you with an estimated repair time upon seeing the damage and update you throughout the repair.
Does your shop paint or repair mechanical issues?
We do not paint body panels or troubleshoot mechanical issues. We provide Paintless Dent Repair services only. There are times when touch-up is used during a repair, only when discussed with the customer ahead of time.
Will PDR lower the value of my vehicle?
Absolutely not! Anytime you can avoid a body shop repair you retain value by keeping the vehicles original parts and paint. There is NO Carfax reporting with paintless dent repair.
What is R&I?
Remove and Install. We oftentimes have to remove lights, door panels, hoods, and sometimes headliners in order to gain access to the back side of the damaged panel. A small dent could require a lot of R&I, or none at all. We take everything apart in order to AVOID DRILLING A HOLE IN YOUR VEHICLE.
Why should I go with 865 Dent Lab?
We believe in providing high quality repairs to every single customer. We will not take on a job that we don’t believe we can do. Whether its a tiny door ding or a severely hail damaged vehicle, we sign our name on that project when it leaves the door.
How do you determine your pricing?
We use the most up to date estimating software in the industry. During your assessment we will go over everything with you and provide you with a written estimate. We break it all down for you so there’s no confusion as to what you are being charged.
Do you work with insurance companies?
YES! We work with every insurance company and can help you file your claim if necessary.
Why does your shop take deposits?
On larger repairs we block off anywhere from 4-16 hours of our time in the shop. We believe that a deposit on larger repairs enables us to schedule everyone more accurately. This ensures we can give each vehicle the time and attention it deserves.
Vehicle Tinting FAQs
Why should I consider tinting my vehicle’s windows?
Window tinting offers several benefits including reduced heat and glare, increased privacy, protection from harmful UV rays, and helping to preserve your interior from fading or cracking. It can also enhance the look of your vehicle.
Is window tinting legal in Tennessee?
Yes, but there are legal limits. Tennessee law allows 35% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) on the front side windows and rear windows for passenger cars. Laws may vary slightly for SUVs and trucks. We stay up to date with all local regulations to ensure your tint is compliant.
How long does window tinting take?
Most standard vehicles take between 2 to 4 hours to complete. The time can vary depending on the type of vehicle, number of windows, and type of film selected.
What kind of tint do you use?
We use high-performance, professional-grade window films that are designed to last. Our films offer UV protection, heat rejection, and come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. We’ll walk you through all options during your appointment.
Will tinting interfere with my electronics or defrosters?
Not with our films. We use non-metallic, signal-friendly tint that won’t interfere with GPS, Bluetooth, cell reception, or rear window defrosters. Everything remains fully functional.
How long before I can roll down my windows after tinting?
We recommend waiting at least 3 to 5 days before rolling down your windows to allow the film to fully cure and adhere properly.
Can I wash my car right after tinting?
You can wash the exterior of your car, but avoid cleaning the inside of the windows for at least a week to prevent damaging the tint while it’s still curing.
What happens if I see bubbles or haze after tinting?
Small bubbles or a cloudy appearance are normal during the curing process and should disappear within a few days to a week. If they don’t, bring your vehicle back and we’ll take care of it.
Do you offer a warranty for your tint work?
Yes, all our tint installations come with a manufacturer and installation warranty against bubbling, peeling, or fading. We stand behind our work.
Frequently Asked Questions About 865 Dent Lab
To help you make the best decision for your vehicle, we have compiled answers to the most common questions about our premium services. If you don't see your specific question answered below, please feel free to contact us directly to discuss your vehicle's needs.
What is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?
Paintless Dent Repair is a highly specialized technique used to remove minor dents, dings, and hail damage from a vehicle without altering the original factory paint. Our technicians use advanced tools to gently massage the metal back into its original shape from behind the panel.
Will PDR damage my vehicle's factory paint?
No, the PDR process is completely safe for your car's factory finish because it requires no sanding, body fillers, or repainting. In fact, it is the best method for maintaining your vehicle’s original paint warranty and overall resale value.
Can all types of dents be fixed with Paintless Dent Repair?
While PDR is incredibly versatile, it depends heavily on the depth of the dent and whether the paint has been cracked, chipped, or severely stretched. If the paint is intact and the metal isn't creased too deeply, there is an excellent chance we can restore it completely.
How long does a typical dent repair appointment take?
Many minor door dings and creases can be repaired in just a few hours, allowing you to get your car back the very same day. Larger projects, such as extensive hail damage or severe creases, may require a couple of days to restore the vehicle back to factory shape.
Do you work directly with auto insurance companies for hail damage?
Yes, we regularly partner with top insurance providers and national dealer groups to handle comprehensive hail damage claims. We can guide you through the process to ensure your claim is handled accurately and your car is restored seamlessly.
Why does 865 Dent Lab operate by appointment only?
We operate by appointment only so that our experienced technicians can provide focused, high-quality craftsmanship to every single vehicle without interruption. This model guarantees that your car receives our undivided attention and the clean finish it deserves.
What are the benefits of your professional window tinting services?
Our premium window films significantly reduce cabin heat, block harmful UV rays, protect your interior from fading, and add an elegant layer of privacy. We apply the same meticulous attention to detail to our tint installations as we do to our precision dent removals.
Do I need to clean my car before bringing it in for window tinting?
While we thoroughly clean the glass surface before applying the film, having a generally clean vehicle interior helps minimize dust in the air. A clean cabin ensures the highest quality, bubble-free installation for your new window tint.
Can you remove dents from aluminum body panels?
Yes, our team has over 30 years of combined experience and is fully equipped to handle both steel and aluminum panels. Aluminum is more rigid and requires specialized techniques and tools, which our technicians master year-round.
How can I get an estimate or book an appointment at your Knoxville shop?
You can easily request an appointment or upload photos of your vehicle's damage directly through our website contact form. Alternatively, you can give us a call to discuss your project and schedule a dedicated time for your vehicle.
