How to Determine if a Car Has Just Been Scratched?

[James]

Here is an introduction on how to determine if a car has just been scratched: 1. Color: Fresh scratches are usually clean and bright, with a color closer to the car's original paint. Older scratches may appear darkened and have accumulated dust. 2. Texture: Feel the scratch with your hand. If it feels noticeably uneven with obvious burrs, it is likely a fresh scratch. If the scratch feels smoother, it is probably an older one. Additional Information: 1. Shallow Scratches: If the scratch is shallow, you can try polishing to remove minor surface scratches. Minor scratches can also be repaired by applying toothpaste. 2. Deep Scratches: These can only be repaired by repainting. You can purchase specialized touch-up paint kits online for repair, but DIY attempts may have issues, so it's best to visit a 4S shop for repainting.

[DeSpencer]

I usually enjoy washing and maintaining my car. Fresh scratches typically have very sharp edges, and you can feel burrs or residual paint powder when you touch them. The color is vibrant, like new car paint, without oxidation or yellowing. For example, last week when my car got scraped, the mark shimmered in the sunlight, and I knew it was a fresh scratch. Older scratches, on the other hand, have smoother edges, appear dull, and accumulate dust or rust. If the scratch is located near the door edge or wheel arch, a fresh one might still be slightly wet. A simple method is to gently wipe it with a damp cloth—fresh scratches may transfer some pigment, while old ones won’t react. Regularly checking for changes in the car’s body is crucial to detect and address issues early, preventing further damage. After all, untreated scratches can lead to paint corrosion.