In this article, we will discuss some of the primary reasons you might find scratches on your car and offer some advice on the best way to avoid them.
Car scratches are an all-too-common occurrence that can significantly diminish the appearance of your vehicle. Whether it’s a minor surface scratch or a deep gouge, these imperfections can be both unsightly and costly to repair.
The good news is that understanding the most common causes of car scratches and implementing preventive measures can help keep your vehicle stay pristine.
Types of Scratches
The best way to contextualize car blemishes is according to the depth of the scratch within the paint layers. The steal panels are coated with primer, then color paint, then a clear coat, making four layers that can be penetrated by an impact or scratch.
Light Scratches and Swirls
Light scratches may only be in the clear coat. Sometimes these scratches can just be buffed out, but there are many cases where it needs more intervention.
Transfer Scratches
If you’ve ever bumped another car and had their paint transfer to your car, this is a transfer scratch. Depending on the severity of the impact, it could be buffed out or it may need more intervention.
Deep Scratches
When the clear coat and the paint layer have been compromised, it often requires the complete repainting of the panel, as well as the use of body filler. It’s vital that these kinds of scratches are repaired immediately, especially if the steel panel was reached. Once the paint layers are weakened, rust can set in very quickly.
A note about rust. Rust, once it gets to the steel layer, cannot be permanently removed. It can be cut out, filled in, and repainted, and it might look good for a year or two, but it WILL come back. This is why rust removal is the one thing that a body shop will not guarantee.
Related Reading: Types of Car Scratches Explained (The Complete Guide) (torquedetail.com)
Factors contributing to car scratches
Weather
- Fast-moving Debris. Loose materials at high speeds, such as rocks, leaves, and branches, not only impact the aesthetics of your vehicle but can also lead to more serious damage if left unattended.
- Decaying and hardened organic matter. That bird poop? Don’t leave it on your paint layer. It adheres like cement and should be safely removed with specialty products. The same goes for dead leaves, twigs, and similar material.
- Snow removal. Be careful when removing snow and ice from your vehicle. Using cheap snow removal tools and too much muscle can compromise the paint layers.
- Road salt. Salt corrodes through every layer of paint given time. After winter, rust appears in the wheel wells and on top of the bumpers of cars for this reason, since this is where salt tends to spray and settle.
Related Reading: What Does Winter Weather Do to Your Car’s Finish? | ScratchesHappen
Road Hazards
- Debris. Rocks thrown by moving cars, trash and car parts buffeted around the highway – the roads are full of hazards! All of them, big and small, can damage your paint layer.
- Driver error. Ever scraped your bumper on a parking block, or misjudged the height of a curb? Yeah, we’ve all done it.
Related Reading: What Problems Does A Lowered Car Cause? (jdpower.com)
Misapplied Car Care
- Automatic Car Washes. With the best of intentions, these businesses can contribute to tarnishing your car paint. It’s common for light scratches to appear after a car wash or even a hand wash. Particles may attach to the soft brushes and create scratches and swirls in your clear coat.
- Abrasive chemicals and rags. It might be on sale, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right product for your car. Do your research and educate yourself on the best product and technique to use on your car.
Related Reading: How To Safely Remove Bird Poop From Your Car and Prevent Damage | Torque News
Scratch Prevention
Here are some tips on how to prevent scratches on your car:
Drive and park attentively. Here are some tips.
- Choose your parking spot wisely. Look for a spot away from other vehicles, shopping carts, and any potential hazards that could cause scratches.
- Avoid tight parking spaces. Give yourself enough room to open your car doors fully without hitting the surrounding cars.
- Use parking aids. Utilize features like parking sensors or rearview cameras to help you park accurately and avoid any potential obstacles that could cause scratches.
- Maintain a safe distance from vehicles carrying loose materials.
- Avoid driving through areas with heavy foliage or where debris is likely to be present.
Regularly clean your car.
Clean your car regularly to remove any debris that may have accumulated. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a sponge to wash your car. Avoid using abrasive materials like harsh brushes or sponges that can scratch the paint. Use a high-quality car wax or sealant to provide an extra layer of protection against road salt.
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Related News
- Car Paint Problems and Prevention | Zanesville Autobody Repair Blog
- Ignoring minor scratches and dents can cost you big bucks | News24
- What Problems Does A Lowered Car Cause? (jdpower.com
Ohio Drivers: Contact Zanesville Autobody for Your Auto Body Repair
This article was originally published by Zanesville Autobody Collision and Glass, LLC, a member of the Autobody of Ohio family of auto body shops. If you are in Ohio and looking for a quality autobody shop “near me”, we are here to help you. We’ll make your car like new again!
Zanesville Autobody Collision and Glass
1152 Newark Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone: (740) 487-3111
Fax: (740) 888-3500