Is it necessary to repaint the car after a scratch?
3 Answers
If scratches are found on the car body, first check the extent of the damage. Then consider whether repainting is necessary. If it's just a very shallow scratch on the surface paint, clean the affected area thoroughly to remove any dust. After drying, you can apply wax. Depending on the situation, you can also use a compound for treatment, applying it in straight-line motions. Once the scratch disappears, use a finer compound and then apply wax. Here is some related information about car waxing: 1. Introduction: Car waxing, as a traditional car care procedure, primarily serves to waterproof and protect against acid rain. The wax reduces the amount of water droplets adhering to the car body. 2. Waxing frequency: Theoretically, the interval for car waxing depends on how long the wax layer lasts on the paint surface, which in turn depends on the quality of the wax used.
When it comes to car scratches and touch-up paint, it depends on the situation. If only the surface paint is damaged without exposing the metal layer, you can actually get by without immediate touch-up—it's not a big deal. However, if the metal is exposed, you must repaint it promptly; otherwise, water exposure can lead to rust, which may spread to the frame structure over time, threatening driving safety. I've seen a friend's car with a small scratch that was ignored, only for the entire door panel to rust through half a year later, costing thousands to repair. So, if the scratch is in areas prone to water accumulation and stress, like doors or the body, deeper damage should be addressed quickly—don't cut corners to save money or effort. During regular car washes, pay extra attention to scratched areas and clean them promptly to prevent dirt buildup, which can delay issues. If unsure, it's best to have a technician at the 4S店 take a look—professional advice is always more reliable.
Whether to repaint after a car gets scratched depends largely on the vehicle's condition and your expectations. For my old car that's been used for seven or eight years, minor scratches aren't worth the hassle—repainting is expensive and time-consuming, especially since I might replace it in a couple of years. However, for a new car or if you're concerned about resale value, even small scratches should be fixed, as exterior flaws directly impact the used car price. Buyers tend to haggle aggressively if they see uneven paintwork. I still remember losing 5,000 yuan in my last car sale due to a few barely noticeable scratches. Location matters too—plastic bumpers are less urgent, but metal areas like doors need prompt attention. Repair methods vary: touch-up pens work for minor scratches, while deeper ones require professional spray painting. Parking in tight spots should be avoided to prevent accumulating multiple scratches over time.
