Can roadside shrubs scratch car paint?

[CaydenAnn]

Roadside shrubs can scratch car paint. External forces such as scraping or collisions can directly damage the paint. Additionally, attention should be paid to chemical corrosion, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which can also scratch car paint. Furthermore, fumes from gas and cooking can cause damage to the car paint. If car paint is scratched by roadside shrubs, a touch-up pen can be used for repair. A touch-up pen is one of the tools for repairing car scratches. It can handle some minor and shallow scratches by covering them up. Although it cannot achieve the same effect as the original car paint, it is much better than leaving the scratches untreated. While a touch-up pen can fill in gaps and block air from contacting the car body surface, providing some rust prevention, it cannot replace professional automotive rust-proof paint. When using a touch-up pen, choose the appropriate model that matches the original car paint color. After applying the touch-up pen to minor scratches or areas where the paint has peeled off, it can repair, conceal, and smooth out the damage. The components of a touch-up pen are generally the same as the original car paint, and because car models vary, only a dedicated touch-up pen specific to the car model should be used.

[DiBriella]

It can indeed scratch the car paint. I remember once driving to the suburbs for a trip, where the roadside was full of those thorny small shrubs. Without noticing, the car body brushed against them, leaving a shallow scratch on the paint. The speed was slow, just a few dozen miles per hour, but those hard branches were like small blades. The rough surface of the shrub branches directly wore away the top layer of clear coat, exposing the underlying color. If you often drive on narrow roads or park near gardens, you need to be careful. For small scratches, you can cover them up yourself with a touch-up pen or wax, but for larger ones, you'll need to visit a repair shop. Actually, cars with better quality paint are slightly more resistant to scratches, but if there are too many shrubs, it's better to take a detour. Overall, it's not a big problem; just be careful in daily driving.

[DiAlexa]

I think this is definitely the case. Don't underestimate roadside shrubs with soft leaves—some types like thorny or spiky plants can sway and scratch car paint when it's windy or when vehicles pass by. At higher speeds, the friction becomes more intense, especially after rain when the shrubs are damp and muddy, making it easier for them to leave scratches. I've noticed many cars with fine lines on their rear bumpers or door edges, mostly caused by roadside shrubs. Once the protective layer of the paint is damaged, rust can form, particularly on older cars or models with thin paint. It's best to regularly inspect the body and slow down when passing through areas with dense shrubs—don't rush through. Applying car wax as a barrier also helps.

[VanCooper]

It can definitely scratch the car paint. I often encounter this situation when driving in suburban areas. The sharp branches and hard surfaces of shrubs can cause micro-scratches when they come into contact with the car paint. Over time, these scratches can accumulate, making the paint surface dull or causing it to peel. To prevent this, I usually park in open areas, avoiding dense shrubbery, or use a car cover. If scratches do occur, first check their depth; for shallow scratches, clean them with water and a cloth, then try to repair them with polish. Long-term exposure can accelerate paint aging, so I recommend being more cautious with your route during rainy seasons or windy days. Safety first—paying attention to small details can prevent major issues.