How to deal with car scratches?

[EmilioLee]

Methods to deal with car scratches: 1. Repair by sanding with sandpaper: Clean and dry the scratched area of the car, then gently rub the scratched area with sandpaper dipped in water; 2. Repair with chilled cola: Pour a little cola onto a cloth and continuously wipe the scratched area; 3. Repair with essential balm: Pour essential balm onto a cloth and continuously wipe the scratched area; 4. Repair with toothpaste: Clean the scratch with a cloth, squeeze toothpaste onto a wet towel or sponge, and wipe the scratch up and down; 5. Repair with nail polish: Applying a layer of nail polish on the scratch can prevent it from rusting.

[DeNicole]

A couple of days ago, my car's rear door was also scratched by an electric scooter, exposing the white primer beneath the paint. For deep scratches like this that reach the primer, DIY fixes won’t work—you’ll need a professional auto body shop. They’ll sand and level the area, then apply paint in layers: epoxy primer for rust prevention, color-matched base coat, and finally a clear coat for shine. I went to a chain shop and paid 600 RMB; the paint job from their baking booth showed zero color difference. For shallow scratches that don’t reach the primer, just buy scratch remover wax online and polish it out yourself. Remember to clean the scratched area first, polish in circular motions with a sponge (don’t press too hard), and finish with a coat of car wax for protection. Keep a touch-up pen in your car for minor scrapes—quick fixes prevent rust.

[LeMiles]

Don't rush to repaint if your car door gets scratched! My car has three scratches all caused by tree branches. The key is identifying the depth: run your fingernail across it - if it doesn't catch, only the clear coat is damaged. Buy some rubbing compound and use a polisher at medium speed, gently buffing a few times will make it disappear. If the base coat is exposed, have a professional do spot repair painting - it's half the cost and faster than full panel repainting. For small damages on mirrors or bumpers, it's even simpler - just buy a touch-up pen matching your paint code and apply layers like correction fluid. Important reminder: Deep scratches must be addressed promptly, or rain may cause the steel plate to rust through.

[ElainaLee]

Last week, I scraped the wall while reversing and felt so heartbroken that I immediately took photos to consult an experienced mechanic. There are tricks to paint maintenance: superficial scratches can be hand-polished with a diatomaceous earth abrasive paste; exposed primer should be repainted promptly to prevent rust; plastic parts can wait for repair. For small-area damage, a mini spray kit is recommended, which comes with sandpaper and a clear coat trio. Before operation, clean the surface, use 500-grit sandpaper dipped in water to smooth out burrs, apply three thin coats of color paint at five-minute intervals, and finish with a clear coat. Avoid washing the car for two days after repair—the result rivals that of a repair shop. Remember to keep the repair receipt to prove it wasn’t an accident when selling the car.

[DelilahLynn]

The biggest fear with outdoor parking is scratches. My experience suggests a three-tier approach: for hairline scratches, a $10 coating agent can cover them; for deeper scratches that catch your nail but don't expose metal, use scratch repair paste with a waxing machine; damage to the primer requires professional repair. When choosing a repair shop, check three things: whether they have a dust-free paint booth, use computer color matching, and offer a three-year warranty. Pearl paint repairs cost extra due to the required mid-coat spraying. Avoid roadside quick fixes—insufficient temperature leads to paint bubbling within six months. Avoid direct sunlight for three days after painting to prevent clear coat cracking.

[StNicole]

When dealing with car body scratches, consider the impact on resale value. For minor damages, it's advisable not to file an insurance claim. For instance, a fingernail-sized paint chip on my car door cost 1,200 CNY at a dealership, but only 600 CNY at a specialized repair shop. Before repair, photograph the body code to ensure original paint is used. Key considerations include the damage location: repair hood and roof scratches promptly to prevent corrosion; lower door edges with minor damage can be touched up with a paint pen; plastic bumpers (front and rear) don't require urgent attention. Always obtain a warranty certificate post-repair - reputable shops typically offer a three-year colorfastness guarantee. If there are more than three scratches, file an insurance claim as the premium increase next year may be less than the repair cost.