Is a paint thickness gauge reading over 1000 serious?

[HectorAnn]

A paint thickness gauge reading over 1000 is very serious, indicating that the vehicle has experienced severe impact. Here is relevant information: Overview: Automotive paint (English name: Car-paint) has undergone three major leaps in history: alkyd (enamel) paint in the 1920s, acrylic (enamel) paint in the 1960s, and clear coat (urethane) in the 1980s. Function: Automotive paint is a protective film sprayed on cars, a type of coating that makes the car body less susceptible to corrosion and gives an aesthetic appeal. Different automotive paints have different effects, and the quality of the paint itself, along with the technology and a good painting environment, is crucial.

[HeidiDella]

Last time I was shopping for a used car, I got quite a shock when the paint thickness gauge showed readings over 1000 microns at certain spots. After consulting a few mechanic friends, I learned what such abnormally high values (far exceeding the normal 80-150 microns range) really indicate: it usually means the vehicle has undergone multiple repaints, likely covering up improper accident repairs. Beyond surface issues, this often hides structural damage. The car I was considering turned out to have a deformed frame hidden under multiple paint layers – fortunately I returned it in time. My advice: when encountering such readings, don’t take risks. Immediately have a professional technician thoroughly inspect the frame integrity and corrosion risks. This prevents future nightmares of driving a depreciating death trap that might literally fall apart.

[MaverickLynn]

When I first got a paint thickness gauge for practice, I was quite alarmed by readings over 1000. A friend pointed out that such high numbers are unusual - new cars typically have paint layers just over 100 microns thin, so this thickness definitely indicates multiple paint layers covering something. The severity depends on the vehicle's condition: if it's just local repair for minor scratches, it shouldn't affect driving; but if multiple areas show high readings, there might be some hidden history. I learned to measure different parts of the body to identify patterns and consulted professionals about potential safety concerns. Experience tells me not to rush into repairs - first evaluate the repair history and potential wear points.

[SophiaAnn]

A paint thickness gauge reading over 1000 microns is indeed on the high side, as new car paint typically ranges between 80-150 microns. Common causes include multiple layers of repainting after accidents, which can lower the resale value when buying used. How serious is it? Don't panic: if the car body isn't deformed or rusted, it's still drivable and worth the price; however, thicker paint layers are more prone to aging and cracking, requiring more frequent maintenance later on. My friend's car was in a similar situation and ran fine for years with no major issues—putting in some effort to maintain it, like applying wax, actually made it more durable. As long as it's worth it, there's no need to overly worry about it affecting the driving experience.