How to Deal with Small Scratches on a Car?
2 Answers
Methods to deal with small scratches on a car: Use a touch-up pen for minor scratches. If the rust is not severe, you can first use very fine sandpaper dipped in water to gently sand away the rust spots, but avoid sanding randomly—always sand in straight lines in the same direction. After completely cleaning the area, apply a layer of primer. For new scratches, clean the area and apply primer directly. Methods to prevent scratches on a car are as follows: 1. Wash the car with running water, from top to bottom: When washing the car, use running water instead of "stagnant water." Common stagnant water includes water in buckets. After washing off the dirt, the towel brings it back into the bucket, and when the towel is rinsed in the muddy water, it carries the dirt back onto the car, which can easily cause scratches. At the same time, wash the car from top to bottom, allowing the water to carry the dirt downward, which helps avoid scratches. 2. Be careful when unlocking to avoid scratches: When inserting the key, be cautious to avoid leaving scratches on the car's lock hole or door handle. 3. Temporary rust prevention—apply toothpaste: When you notice new small scratches, gently apply regular toothpaste in a circular motion over the scratched area. Reapply after rain or washing the car. This can help reduce the visibility of the scratch and act as a temporary barrier to prevent rust.
When encountering minor car scratches, I prefer to handle them myself. For shallow scratches like those from car washing, applying toothpaste or polish and rubbing in circular motions with a soft cloth for a few minutes can significantly fade them. For deeper scratches, purchasing a scratch repair wax kit and following the instructions usually does the trick; remember to clean the surface first to avoid embedding dirt and making it worse. I often DIY in the garage, saving money and hassle; but take your time to prevent damaging the paint. Ignoring small scratches can lead to rust, especially when metal is exposed to rain. For prevention, park in open areas away from branches and debris, and regularly wax the car to protect the paint and extend its lifespan. Taking care of these small details keeps the car looking neat and makes driving more enjoyable.
