Is it necessary to repair a rice-grain-sized paint chip?
3 Answers
It is necessary to repair a rice-grain-sized paint chip. You can temporarily handle it with a touch-up pen and have it professionally repainted later. Function of touch-up pens: A touch-up pen is one of the tools for repairing car scratches. As an instant paint treatment method, many people use touch-up pens. They can handle relatively small and shallow scratches by covering and concealing the marks, making the scratches less noticeable. While the effect is decent, it doesn't match the original paint's quality, but it's much better than leaving the damage untreated. Although touch-up pens can fill gaps and block air contact with the car's surface, providing some rust prevention, they cannot replace professional automotive rust-proof paint. How to use a touch-up pen: When using a touch-up pen, simply select the appropriate color code that matches your car's original paint. Apply the touch-up pen to small scratches or areas where the paint has chipped to repair, conceal, and smooth out the damage. The components of touch-up pens are usually the same as the original car paint, but since car models vary, only specialized touch-up pens designed for specific car models should be used.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I think there's no need to make a fuss over such minor paint chips and rush to fix them. If the damage is in an inconspicuous spot, like under the door or in a corner of the roof, it's barely noticeable and not worth the effort. Just buy a touch-up paint pen for a few bucks—it's a simple, cost-effective, and time-saving solution. However, if your car is new or you're particular about its appearance, fixing it early can prevent rust, especially on the chassis or metal surfaces. Prolonged exposure to rain and dirt can cause corrosion, and once it spreads, you might end up spending hundreds on a full repaint. I once had an old car where I ignored a tiny chip, and it eventually rusted into a huge hole, costing me nearly a thousand to fix. So, weigh your options and don't let small issues overwhelm you.
I frequently wash and maintain my car, and I'm particularly sensitive to paint flaws. Although this small paint chip is minor, leaving it untreated can lead to rust spreading, especially during rainy or humid weather when exposed metal surfaces are prone to rust. Over time, the aesthetics will suffer, and it could cause depreciation issues when selling the car. I recommend fixing it as soon as possible—location is key. If it's on the front bumper or hood, which are more susceptible to stone impacts, it's best to use a touch-up pen yourself for a quick and easy fix. If you opt for professional paint repair at a repair shop, it might cost over a hundred dollars, which isn't budget-friendly. Prevention is crucial—just like with people, small issues left untreated can become big problems. Developing a habit of regularly inspecting the paintwork can save a lot of hassle.
