Ever come back from an afternoon of shopping to find your car wrecked in the parking lot? Or maybe you drove too fast on the gravel road and ended up with scratches on the body?
It looks like weird scratches on your paint are just an inevitable part of modern driving, but that doesn't make those unsightly scratches any more bearable.
Can you fix it yourself or is it better left to the garage? Here's our ultimate guide on what to do if your car gets scratched.
What if my car gets scratched?
If your paint gets scratched or scratched, it's most likely caused by accident, possibly by other drivers or by rocks and gravel hitting your car while driving.
If you suspect your car has been vandalized, or has suffered more serious damage, you may want to file a police report and contact your insurance company to see if your policy covers vandalism.
Can I repair car scratches myself?
It depends on the scratch and how deep it got into the paint. There are three coats of paint on your car: clear coat, primer, primer, and below that is the metal body panel.
For minor surface scratches and scrapes, you can fix them at home with a scratch removal kit or even a humble tube of toothpaste.
If the scratches are deeper, or you would rather entrust the work to a professional, you may prefer to have your vehicle checked out to a local garage. It may seem expensive, but it's probably the best way to help smooth out scratches. How to repair car scratches with toothpaste?
First, you need to calculate how deep the scratches are on the car by stroking it with your fingers. If your nails aren't scratching and the scratch is on the clear coat of paint, toothpaste may help:
Wash and dry the affected area to make sure you don't end up rubbing any debris or grime into the scratch and making it worse. Rinse with warm soapy water and dry with a clean dry cloth.
Next, take a damp microfiber cloth and squeeze about a 2p sized amount of toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste works best, but if you don't have one, try any toothpaste in the bathroom.
Rub the toothpaste into the scratch in a circular motion, applying enough pressure to ensure that the toothpaste is evenly distributed over the affected area.
After wiping the scratch, rinse the area thoroughly with soapy water, making sure to remove any excess toothpaste, then dry with a dry microfiber cloth.
If scratches persist, repeat the process up to two times, making sure to rinse and dry between applications to check your progress. Do not repeat more than two times to avoid any lasting damage to your paint.
How to use scratch remover?
If the scratches are deeper than the clear coat and have entered the primer, you may prefer to leave the toothpaste in the bathroom and use a dedicated scratch removal product.
If you want to try a scratch removal product, follow these steps:
First, wash and dry the affected area to make sure you don't end up rubbing any debris or grime into the scratch and making it worse. Rinse with warm soapy water and dry with a clean dry cloth.
Before using any scratch remover, you should also read the manufacturer's guidelines and check to see if any polishing tools or pads are sold with the agent for use in your paint job.
Typically, you will apply about 2p of the product to the pad and make sure the product is evenly distributed around the pad to ensure even application.
Next, rub the product into the affected area in circular motions, making sure not to change direction, to ensure even coverage.
When you're done, it's important not to let any excess product dry on the car so it doesn't affect the paint, so use a clean microfiber cloth to clean any product.
Before repeating the process, read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you don't overspray and end up damaging your paint unknowingly.
How to repair deeper scratches?
If the scratches on your car are more severe and deeper than the varnish or primer and go into the primer or metal body panels, you may want to consider taking your vehicle to a local mechanic to have a professional do the job Work.
To help you find a mechanic you can trust, the RAC-approved garage network only includes garages that provide quality work and exceptional customer service, giving you peace of mind when your car needs attention.
How much does it cost to fix scratches on a car?
It obviously depends on how severe the scratch is and how you want to deal with it. Repairing minor scratches with toothpaste will only set you back a few pounds, while a scratch remover will cost you around $10.
Heavier, deeper scratches may cost more, but it may be worth it if you want your motor to look as good as new right away.
Will my insurance cover scratches on my car?
It depends on your policy, although many policies will have excess costs that exceed the cost of your own work, meaning there is no point in filing a claim.
Some insurers offer separate scratch and dent products that allow you to repair minor dents and scratches without a claim against your main policy, usually from the comfort of your own driveway.