How to Identify Minor Scratches on a Vehicle?
2 Answers
Car scratches are categorized into minor scratches, moderate scratches, and deep scratches. For metallic paint on vehicles, the layers from inside to outside are the primer layer, base coat layer, and clear coat layer. Minor scratches refer to slight damage to the surface paint, where the scratch penetrates the clear coat layer and affects the base coat layer, but the base coat layer is not completely scratched through. Whether it's minor, moderate, or deep scratches, it is not recommended to opt for cheap repairs at small roadside shops.
As an ordinary car owner who frequently tinkers with my beloved vehicle, when identifying minor scratches, my first choice is to inspect the car body surface under bright lighting. For example, using a phone flashlight to shine at an angle on the scratch to see if the reflection is distorted or dark lines appear, which can quickly reveal the depth of the mark. Then, I gently touch the area with my hand—a smooth feel might indicate just a small scratch on the clear coat layer, while a rough texture could mean damage to the underlying paint. Location is also crucial; areas like door handles or plastic parts of the bumper are often overlooked. These small spots tend to accumulate dust, masking scratches, so cleaning them before inspection yields the most accurate results. I also observe the direction of the scratch—straight lines are often from parking scrapes, while curved ones might be from branches or stone impacts. If the mark is shallow and disappears after wiping with a wet cloth, it might be a temporary stain. For permanent marks identified after inspection, simple DIY fixes like polishing with toothpaste can be used. Regularly keeping the car clean helps avoid missing new scratches, and timely detection is essential for maintaining the vehicle's appearance.
