How to Deal with Minor Scratches on a Car?
3 Answers
Here are the methods for handling minor scratches on a car: 1. Use a touch-up pen for small scratches. If the rust is not severe, first gently sand the rust spots with very fine water sandpaper dipped in water, but avoid sanding randomly—always sand in straight lines in the same direction. After completely cleaning the area, apply a layer of primer. 2. Apply toothpaste as a temporary rust prevention measure. When you notice new small scratches on the car body, gently apply toothpaste in a circular motion over the scratch. 3. The best way to repair a scratch is to fill the damaged area with a coating agent that matches the car body. The coating agent can be applied once, twice, or three times—the more applications, the cleaner the finish. 4. For very shallow scratches that only affect the surface paint, immediately treat them with a compound. Wipe in straight lines. Once the scratch disappears, use a finer compound to wipe again, then apply wax. 5. For deeper scratches, the key is to check if the metal surface is exposed. If the metal is not visible, rust will not form, and you can carefully apply touch-up paint with the tip of a brush. Wait for the paint to dry completely.
A few days ago, a shopping bag left a fine scratch on my car's trunk, so I tried using some regular toothpaste. First, I washed the car to ensure there was no dust, then took a soft cloth, applied a small amount of toothpaste, and gently rubbed it in circular motions over the scratch. After a while, the scratch faded. Minor scratches are often just surface paint damage and can be covered with toothpaste or car wax. Remember to use gentle motions to avoid worsening the damage, and if the scratch is more noticeable, repeat the process a few times. When parking, avoid crowded areas to reduce sources of friction—keeping the paint well-maintained can save a lot of hassle. I recommend trying this cost-free method, but for serious cases, it’s safer to consult a repair shop. Keeping your car looking good is important—after all, it’s a daily companion.
As an enthusiast who frequently works on my own car, I never panic over minor scratches. After cleaning the scratched area, I apply a scratch repair pen to lightly cover the scratch line, wait a few minutes for it to dry, and then polish it evenly. Car wax can also temporarily conceal scratches—just apply a layer and buff it with a soft cloth. The key is to check the depth of the scratch to prevent prolonged exposure to air, which can cause oxidation. DIY repairs save time and money, and the tools can be purchased for just a few dollars at an auto supply store. I also regularly wash and wax my car to prevent dust buildup and reduce the occurrence of new scratches. If the scratch is on a plastic part, it’s even simpler—just wipe it with a specialized cleaner, and it disappears. However, for deep scratches, it’s best not to force a fix; consult an expert at the right time to avoid mistakes.
