How to Remove Scratches From a Car?

Owning a car is an emotion for many, and everyone wants to maintain their outlook as much as possible. However, even while driving carefully, it becomes tougher to prevent scratches and dents.

This is why most car owners look for tips on how to remove scratches from a car. In this piece, you will get all the answers to your question and learn about preventive methods.

But first, let us understand the types of car scratches.

Scratches on a car are primarily of three kinds - minor, paint scratches and deep scratches:

Minor Scratches

These kinds of scratches are more frequent and can get overlooked because most of them are very thin and minute. It can happen if any sharp object gets rubbed against the car, for instance, an electric pole or a broken pipe.

The friction between the car and that other object results in these scratches. Minor scratches only impact the car paint's top layer, affecting the car's surface.

Paint Scratches

Marks that destroy the colour of the car are deeper than the minor scratches, but it is not a major concern. Since the enamel coating gets rubbed off, it affects the outlook of a car, but it is still manageable.

These kinds of surface scratches are also easy to remove. Nevertheless, if not paid attention to, the scratched portion can get rusted, and then the damage repair becomes costly.

Deep Scratches

As the name suggests, these scratches are deeper and can result from minor accidents. If you notice deep scratches on your car's surface, it is recommended to get them fixed.

Fixing these marks can be inexpensive as it requires inspecting several things. If these are left untreated, it is possible that the entire section can get contaminated.

Other than these types, there is another kind, casually known as "barely there” scratches.

When you put your grocery bags or anything on the roof or trunk of the car, your car gets scratched. These can easily be overlooked as they are almost invisible to bare eyes. Nevertheless, these are the easiest to fix.

Scratches in a car can be fixed depending upon its condition. Before looking for tips to fix scratches on a car, you must know your car's paintwork. This will help you understand the car's cuts, scratches or dents and how to remove them.

A car is painted in three layers, primer, enamel coat and clear coat:

• A primer coat prevents corrosion
• The enamel coating is the colour of the car
• The clear coating is for shine and protection

You may come across innumerable DIY hacks to get rid of scratches on cars. Before using any trending techniques, you must check whether the products are safe to apply on the car surface.

If you choose to remove the marks yourself, these are the materials you will need.

• Microfiber towel
• Polishing and rubbing compound

Step 1: Wash your car thoroughly.

Step 2: Apply the rubbing compound directly to the scratched area. Rub the formulated solution carefully on the affected region and its surrounding areas as well.

Step 3:  Wipe it with the microfiber towel.

In case of minor damages, this is the easiest and the best way to remove scratches from a car. You might have to repeat the procedure a couple of times to get visible results.

Having paint scratches is not very uncommon as it happens all the time. However, it is nothing to worry about as you can remove it easily.

Some important things you will be needing are:

• Microfiber towel
• Rubbing compound
• Polishing compound
• 3000-grit sandpaper
• Cordless drill
• Polishing compound pad

Step 1: Start by wetting the sandpaper and the scratch area. Then lightly sand until the scratch fades away or is no longer visible. Later, remember to clean it up with a microfibre towel.

Step 2: Now spray the rubbing compound over the polishing pad. Gently spread it around using the pad.

Step 3: Run the polisher or cordless drill at 1200 RPM. Soon you will notice a light haze.

Step 4: Do not forget to follow up with the polishing compound to get the shine back.

Deeper scratches are harder to remove. This is why most people choose to take them to their nearest car facility. Still, if you have the following items at your home, you can also do it by yourself.

Things you will need to keep handy are:

• Sandpaper
• Microfiber towel
• Primer spray
• Colour spray
• Polishing pad
• Masking tape
• Paper
• Car wax

Step 1: Rub the area with sandpaper to remove the paint and reach the car’s metal portion. Remember to rub the sandpaper in the direction of the scratches to avoid any more marks.

Step 2: Use masking tape and paper to tape the other portions of the car to avoid spreading the primer.

Step 3: Carefully spray the primer on the car in the affected portion and let it dry.

Step 4: After completely drying, spray the matching car paint on the scratched area. Experts suggest laying a heavy coat of paint on the surface and letting it dry.

Step 5: Polish the newly painted area to match it with the rest of the car. Put a quarter size of a bead on your polishing pad or microfiber towel, and rub in a circular motion.

Those who were looking for “how to repair scratches on a car” will find this blog helpful as it provides a step-by-step guide to handling different types of vehicle scratches.

It is quite common that every car owner deals with a constant fear of getting dents and scratches on their cars. Regardless of the fact that minute marks are unavoidable, here are some of the preventive measures you can take to minimise the risks.

1. Parking your cars carefully in parking lots.
2. Learning how to use parallel parking.
3. Refraining parking at vulnerable spots or in open areas.
4. Avoiding driving in extreme weather conditions.
5. Not keeping things on top of the car.
6. Washing your car regularly.
7. Using microfiber for cleaning the car.
8. Trying to use separate cleaning cloths for different car parts.
9. Keeping distance from other cars while driving.
10. Covering the car with a soft car.
11. Availing regular car maintenance services.

A car insurance policy covers many unforeseen events, ranging from severe damages to some surface scratches. So, if you want to claim insurance for some scratches on the vehicle, you are eligible to do so.

Generally, repairing these minor scratches does not cost much, and you can pay for them yourself. Yet, if you use your insurance to pay for it later, it can lead to a higher premium repayment. This is why it is generally recommended to keep car insurance for major damages.

As you have read this far, now you know how to remove scratches from a car for minor and major damages. Maintaining a car takes a lot of effort, and you can begin with getting rid of all kinds of scratches from your vehicle. If you find it is difficult to repair on your own, drive to your nearest service centre and get them fixed. Ignoring these minor damages can later become huge and take a toll on your budget.