Can Low-Speed Branches Scratch Car Paint?
3 Answers
Low-speed branches may cause minor scratches on the car paint. It is obviously not appropriate to go through car insurance, nor is it necessary to visit a car beauty shop for repairs. However, if minor scratches on the car are left untreated, they can easily lead to rust on the car's paint surface, which is detrimental to future maintenance. Therefore, it is advisable to use a touch-up pen or toothpaste for treatment. Here is some additional information: Water sandpaper: If the rust is not very severe, you can first use very fine water sandpaper dipped in water to gently remove the rust spots. Be sure not to sand in random directions; instead, sand in straight lines in the same direction. After completely cleaning the area, apply a layer of primer. Touch-up pen: If the original factory paint is not available, you can purchase a touch-up pen and use it for coloring. Toothpaste: Ordinary toothpaste can also be used for treatment. When you notice new small scratches on the car body, gently apply toothpaste in a circular motion over the scratched area.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered many instances of scratches from branches at low speeds. Low-speed driving can indeed scratch the car paint, though not as severely as at high speeds. However, tree branches are hard and thick, especially dry or rotten ones, and even a slight brush can leave fine scratches on the paint surface. Once, while making a slow turn in my neighborhood to avoid a tree, a small branch still left a white mark on my car. Later, the mechanic said this is quite normal—branches have rough surfaces, similar to sandpaper, and can wear down the paint layer even with slow contact. Prevention is actually simple: try to park away from areas with many branches, especially on narrow roads, and slow down before getting close. Regularly waxing your car can enhance paint protection, and don’t overlook these details during car washes. Though the scratches may be small, accumulating too many can affect the car’s appearance and paint lifespan, so it’s best to address them early.
As a young car enthusiast who treats my car like my life, I firmly believe that low-speed contact with branches can definitely damage the paint. Although the car's paint surface may appear sturdy, it's actually extremely fragile—like a thin plastic film. When branches have sharp edges or accumulated dust, even low-speed brushing can cause scratches due to concentrated pressure at the contact point, directly abrading the base layer. Last month while driving leisurely through a park, a willow branch left a small scratch during a low-speed turn, which broke my heart. Since then, I always park in open areas, avoiding any proximity to trees. For protection, I recommend regularly using car covers or applying wax-based protective sprays—these small habits can save significant trouble in the long run. Remember, promptly cleaning off tree sap and leaves is equally crucial as they corrode the paint. Car maintenance is all about prevention; don't wait until the damage is done to regret it.
