How to Tell if Car Scratches Are Man-Made
3 Answers
Man-made scratches are usually long and feature slight curves or wavy lines. Non-man-made scratches occur during vehicle movement, exhibiting consistent direction and very straight lines.
I deal with car accidents quite often in my daily work. Man-made scratches can usually be identified by their location—common spots are near the door handles or along the edges of the hood where they are easily accessible. These scratches tend to be straight, deep, and have sharp edges, resembling those made by a key. On the other hand, natural scratches, like those from tree branches, are usually shallower, more irregular, and spread out at varying angles. When inspecting, run your fingers over the depth—man-made scratches will feel sharp, and nearby paint may have residue or show signs of wiped-off dust, which could indicate tampering. Parking in areas covered by surveillance cameras can help in identifying the cause, or you can ask around for any suspicious activity. For repairs, minor scratches can be treated with a touch-up pen, while deeper ones require professional repainting. In any case, don’t rush to fix the issue yourself—gather evidence first and handle it through insurance for better security.
My car was scratched once, and I discovered a long scratch after leaving it parked on the roadside for just half a day. Based on experience, intentional scratches are usually in conspicuous locations, often in the center of the car's side panels, with uniform length and depth that can range from the surface clear coat down to the metal layer. Natural scratches, like those from flying small stones, are scattered and vary in depth. At the time, I noticed fresh footprints and oil stains nearby, which made me suspect it was deliberate. Later, I reported it to the police and checked the surveillance footage to confirm. I recommend fellow car owners to pay attention to the surroundings when parking and avoid secluded corners. If you find a scratch, take photos to document details like color changes, especially checking the edges for tool marks. If you suspect it was intentional, it's best to contact the property management or relevant parties for verification. During maintenance, mentioning it to a professional technician to inspect the paint surface cracks with a magnifying glass can also help identify the cause.
