It’s not just about making your auto look good. It’s also about protecting it from damage and keeping its value.
Small scratches might seem so superficial in the overall appearance of your vehicle. However, they can result in something more serious, e.g., rust, if they’re left unattended.
Every scrape and cut, deep or not, matters. Especially if you plan to sell your car in the future. This is why protecting your car’s paint from scratches is highly imperative.
What Causes Car Scratches?
Get to know the culprits responsible for your car’s abrasions
Everyday Hazards
The weather outside is perhaps the biggest perpetrator in this regard. From the summer heat to the winter freeze, these environmental factors leave challenging water stains and pavement blow-ups.
But the natural forces are not the only everyday hazards that hurt your car. There are other drivers, shopping carts and accidental bumps that can send flying debris and scratch your car.
Improper Cleaning Practices
Maybe the damage to your car was partly your fault all along. You see… using abrasive brushes, old dirty rags and household soaps not made for automobiles can be harsh on your vehicle’s exterior. These materials can grind in dirt and trap them, leaving streaks in your paint job.
Over time, the little scratches on your car’s paint can accumulate and create more issues down the road, like rusting and corrosion.
Human Factors
If you’re a parent and you noticed minor scratches on your car’s scaffolding, it’s likely your little one’s messy energy is behind it.
Disasters happen when you least expect them to. Not just from the kids, but from any careless person who opens doors and parks closely. These minor accidents posed by human forces can scrape the paintwork of your car.
Paintless Dent Repair
To address these types of damages effectively, paintless dent repair (PDR) is an excellent option. PDR involves removing dents without affecting the original paint, making it a cost-effective solution for maintaining your vehicle’s appearance after encountering everyday hazards. By utilizing this method, you can preserve your car’s value while keeping it looking its best.
Preventive Measures to Safeguard Your Paint
Park in Safe Locations
Always park in safe locations – away from environmental hazards and other negligent vehicles.
Pull up under the shade – in the garage or a covered parking space. And leave enough space for others when you park. So when they get in and out of their vehicle, they won’t scratch the side of your car.
Use Car Covers
If you can’t find a parking structure, just use a quality car cover that can withstand dust, moisture and UV rays.
A good car cover is made of softer materials and is water-resistant yet breathable. It can block the sun’s rays and allow the diffused liquid to escape. It encourages longevity and preserves your car’s appearance.
Protective Film or Vinyl Wrap
This protection film is wrapped on the surface of your car. It absorbs and disperses the impacts of harmful elements. It keeps them from reaching your car’s paint. This way, your paint job is protected from scratches and other forms of damage.
Proper Cleaning Techniques to Prevent Scratches
It only takes one washing mistake using the wrong cleaning tools to scratch your most precious possession.
Take heed of the proper way of cleaning and avoid nicks on your car’s beautiful paint finish.
Handwashing with the Right Tools
Fortunately, you only need a microfibre wash mitt and the two-bucket method to preserve your ride’s immaculate surface.
This cleaning combo is a gentle technique designed to lift and keep the dirt away from the car without scratches.
Polishing the surface of your car with a wash mitt directly eradicates the dirt, while the bucket method gets the dirt off your wash mitt.
Drying with Care
Thinking cars should air dry on their own is just wrong. To properly remove water droplets, the key is to use a clean microfiber towel to dry the surface of your car. Don’t rush, and try to wipe off the spots briskly. Opt for a gentle patting motion to rinse the water off. If you dry in haste, it can create pesky swirls.
Polishing and Waxing
Waxing adds an extra coating that protects your vehicle from atmospheric contaminants while restoring its former shine. Wax at least every six months, with some detailing sprays for touch-ups.
Conversely, polishing gets rid of the layer of the clear coat and smoothens the surface of your car. Polish regularly for at least two to four months. And remember to use only quality products for optimal car’s paint care.
Dealing with Scratches When They Happen
Just because the scratches are already there doesn’t mean your car is forever doomed. Your current struggle can still be salvaged. Here’s how:
Assess the Damage
This is important so you understand how to handle the scratches based on severity. Cars with deeper car’s paint scratches are more exposed. If they’re not fixed right away, the moisture can seep through the metal and produce rust and corrosion.
Meanwhile, clear-coat scratches can be removed and cleared with a paint polisher.
DIY Scratch Repair Kits
Here’s how your DIY scratch repair fix works:
After preparing the affected section, pinch the scratch-removal liquid onto a microfiber towel. Then, apply the solution gently in a circular motion without using much pressure.
But if the scrape on your vehicle is deeper, a DIY kit may not suffice.
Professional Repair Services
If you’re unsure about DIYing, go with a professional repair service. They’re the most effective solution for your car problems.
Professionals have the expertise to detect and fix issues promptly and accurately to prevent recurring issues.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the causes of scratches and the preventive and repair options available, you can effectively maintain and restore the former dazzle of your car.
Just don’t forget that timely repair and the right cleaning practice are crucial in this process. That said, if you’re dealing with deep scratches and intricate installations, we’re the right professional detailing service provider to revive your car’s paintwork. Book a consultation with GIA Smash Repairs!