Can the Age of Car Scratches Be Determined?
2 Answers
Car scratches can be dated. Here are the details: 1. Touch the scratch: Gently run your finger over the scratch. If you feel obvious unevenness or roughness, it means the scratch has penetrated the primer. If it's not very noticeable, use a polishing wheel with a polishing enhancer to remove the oxidized layer on the car's surface and smooth out minor scratches. The polishing agent will also penetrate the paint, restoring it—not only removing light scratches but also refreshing the paint. 2. Time determination: Depending on the condition of the car, this process takes only 30 to 40 minutes. Conversely, if the scratch has reached the primer, you can usually tell by visual inspection. For white cars, the primer is typically black or gray, while for dark-colored cars, it's the opposite. If white is visible, the scratch is too deep. If it looks unsightly, consider repainting.
I usually avoid scratches when driving my own car, but scratches still appear. Estimating the age of scratches can be attempted: new scratches typically have sharp edges, bright colors, may expose metal parts, and are easy to spot; old scratches, after exposure to wind and sun, will have smoother edges, may accumulate dust or be covered with rust. However, this is only a rough judgment and cannot pinpoint an exact date. For example, the scratch on my car looks like it occurred within the last week or two based on its condition, but I can't confirm it. Relatedly, if scratches are not treated promptly, they can oxidize and rust, increasing the difficulty of repair. I recommend regularly checking the car's paint and addressing any issues by washing the car or applying some touch-up paint. A small tip: observing changes in reflection under light can help in judging, but it's best to have a professional evaluate it.
