How to Deal with Scratches on a Sedan?

[CoreyFitz]

Methods for dealing with scratches on a sedan: 1. Hairline scratches: For fine scratches resembling hair strands, polishing or applying a rubbing compound can easily remove them with gentle wiping. 2. Light scratches: Applying toothpaste to shallow scratches on the car's primer can yield very noticeable results. 3. Moderate to deep scratches: These cannot be repaired by polishing. For small dents not exceeding 5mm, apply filler putty to level the surface, then proceed with touch-up painting. If the metal is exposed, clean the surface of any rust or welding residue, sand it smooth, apply a rust-proof oxidizer neutralizer, spray a primer, and repeat the painting, drying, and sanding process to repair. 4. Deep scratches: Severe deformations require bodywork treatment. Handling such scratches demands relatively high technical skills from the technician.

[JulietMarie]

My car has had quite a few scratches, and at first I was a bit worried, but trying to fix them myself turned out to be quite effective. For very shallow scratches, like those that haven't exposed the primer, I simply use scratch wax or polish to wipe them clean, then gently buff them to restore the finish. Remember to do this in a garage environment to avoid dust affecting the results. If the scratch has reached the primer, like when you can see the metal color, I buy a touch-up pen, clean the surrounding area first, then apply a few layers, let it dry, and polish the surface smooth. DIY can save a lot of money, but you have to choose the right tools. I always remind myself to park in wide spaces to avoid scratches from branches or bicycles. Overall maintenance isn't difficult; the key is patience and attention to detail. For prevention, I recommend applying a protective film or waxing regularly, which makes the body more resistant to wear. After washing the car, I always do a quick check to spot any issues early and address them promptly, not waiting until the scratches worsen. This way, the cost can be kept to just a few dozen dollars.

[LeJocelyn]

I prefer starting with minor scratches and handling them myself, like spending weekends doing it at home. For light scratches, I use polishing paste or specialized cleaners, applying them evenly and repeating until they disappear. For deeper ones, I buy touch-up paint kits matching the car's color code, sanding the edges smooth first before spraying paint to cover them. But for larger scratches, like those wider than a finger or involving structural damage, I don't take risks—I drive straight to a professional shop for a flawless and worry-free repair. The location matters too: front bumpers are easier to fix due to frequent contact, while door edges require extra care to avoid color mismatch. I've noticed temperature affects repairs—paint dries faster in heat, while cold weather requires longer drying times. For maintenance, parking in monitored areas reduces risks, avoiding hard cloths when washing to protect the paint. Keeping the surface smooth extends its lifespan. An annual full inspection is the most reliable way to prevent costly repairs.

[ManuelLynn]

I'm quite particular about car scratches, especially light ones. I quickly apply car wash wax or toothpaste, and it's done in minutes. For deep scratches, I use a touch-up pen for temporary fixes, planning to visit a professional shop when I have spare cash. The key is to pay attention to the car's details, park away from crowded areas to reduce the risk of scratches, and use a soft cloth to protect the surface after washing. Regular waxing can prevent new scratches. Maintenance isn't hard, and choosing a sunny day yields better results. Fix it early; don't delay.