How to Simply Deal with Car Scratches?
3 Answers
Scratches on the car surface, whether deep or shallow, are common occurrences. The distinction between deep and shallow scratches is based on whether the primer is exposed. If the primer is visible, it is considered a deep scratch; otherwise, it is a shallow scratch. Deep scratches can lead to rust formation on the exposed metal, which can spread to the edges of the scratch, increasing the difficulty of repair. The basic methods for repairing paint scratches are as follows: 1. Minor scratches: Emergency products include fine wax and coarse wax. Minor scratches affect only the top layer of the paint and can be completely repaired by waxing. Use a compound, applying it in straight lines, followed by waxing—first coarse wax, then fine wax, moving from the inside out in the same direction. This can largely remove minor scratches. Another cost-effective method is using toothpaste. Apply it gently to the shallow scratch and wipe it off with a soft cloth in a counterclockwise motion. Repeating this process several times can reduce the scratch and prevent air from damaging the paint. 2. Scratches without exposed primer: Emergency products: fine wax and touch-up paint. For slightly larger scratches, a touch-up pen can be used as a quick fix. These pens are available at most auto shops. Provide your car model and official color name to get the right shade. Apply the touch-up paint like nail polish, adding a bit of thinner to the pen for smoother application. After the touch-up paint dries, apply fine wax. 3. Scratches with exposed primer: Emergency products: rust remover and spray paint. For more severe scratches where the primer is visible, the location of the damage matters. Bumpers, mirrors, and some wheel arches are made of engineering plastic and won’t rust, so repairs are optional. However, if these deep scratches appear on other parts of the car body, repainting is necessary to prevent rust, even on small damages. Wash and dry the car, apply rust remover to the scratch, wait 10–15 minutes, then wipe it off with a tissue to prevent further rusting.
Handy tips for dealing with car scratches that I've personally tried with good results. Once when my car got a shallow scratch from tree branches, I first cleaned the scratched area with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Then I applied a small amount of regular toothpaste (as toothpaste contains mild abrasives for gentle polishing), gently rubbing in circular motions with a soft cloth. After a few minutes, I rinsed it with water and dried it, then applied some car wax to protect the paint—the scratch became noticeably lighter. For deeper scratches, buying a specialized scratch repair paste isn't expensive, just a few dozen yuan. Apply it, let it dry, then polish for better results. I also make sure not to park too close to walls or trees to minimize scratch risks. Regular car washing and waxing can also prevent new scratches—these simple methods are both practical and effective.
My car often gets small scratches, and I handle them myself to save money and effort. For simple treatment, first use alcohol or cleaner to wipe off any grease in the scratched area and keep it dry. For shallow scratches, scratch wax works: apply a layer, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a soft cloth, repeating several times until the mark fades. If you don't have wax, try applying egg white, letting it dry, and then smoothing it out—it can temporarily cover the scratch. After treatment, apply wax to protect the paint and prevent rust. For moderate scratches, I buy a touch-up pen for a few dollars, match the color, and fill in the scratch. Don’t wait until the scratch deepens to fix it, as rainwater can seep in and cause rust damage to the body. Usually, be careful with branches and hard objects while driving, and avoid hard brushes when washing the car—these habits help a lot.
