Can Scratches from Tree Branches on a Car Be Fixed?
4 Answers
For minor surface scratches, you can apply scratch wax or polishing wax to a towel and repeatedly rub the scratched area to address slight scratches. Toothpaste contains abrasives and can be used for small damaged areas and minor scratches. Use a touch-up pen for repair. Touch-up pens are a commonly used tool for car owners to fix scratches themselves. Fine sandpaper can be used for grinding followed by polishing to resolve the issue. If the scratch is deep and has exposed the primer, the better solution is localized paint repair.
A few days ago, my car got several scratches from tree branches, so I immediately took it to the repair shop. If the scratches only affect the clear coat, polishing can fix it, and it's not expensive—around 100 to 200 yuan. If the scratches are deeper and expose the primer, it's a bit more troublesome and requires spot painting, but it can still be repaired in two or three days. If the metal part is exposed, don't delay—rainwater can cause rust, and you might end up needing a full door panel repaint. Tree branch scratches are usually narrow but quite deep, so it's best to deal with them quickly. I always keep scratch wax on hand for emergencies—minor scratches can be buffed out myself, but serious ones need a professional. When parking, try to avoid green belts—branches can easily scratch the car.
Don't rush to the dealership and get ripped off when you encounter branch scratches. First, check the depth. For surface scratches, rubbing hard with toothpaste on a towel can significantly lighten them—I treated my trunk this way myself. If the primer is exposed, buy a touch-up pen online with the same color code. Clean the area first, then dab it on. After it dries, sand it smooth with sandpaper, and finally apply car wax. It'll cost you just a few dozen bucks. If you're really unsure, go to a quick repair shop—fixing a single scratch shouldn't cost more than two or three hundred at most. Remember to treat any exposed metal areas before the rainy season, or rust will double your repair costs. Regular waxing after car washes enhances paint resistance, and be mindful of overhanging branches when parking by the curb.
The key to dealing with branch scratches lies in the extent of the damage. My car door was recently scratched by community greenery. When I shined a flashlight at an angle, it reflected light, indicating only a minor scratch that can be restored with polishing. If you see white marks, it means the base coat is exposed and requires touch-up painting. If the bare metal is visible, it must be addressed promptly to prevent oxidation and rust, which would be harder to fix later. At a regular repair shop, fixing a single scratch typically takes about three hours, with costs varying by vehicle model—usually around 300 to 500 RMB for standard cars. A special note for those with modified car covers: branch scratches might damage the underlying layer of the cover, making removal more troublesome. Regularly trim the branches in your yard, and if parking outdoors, it's best to use a car cover.
