Is it necessary to repair bumper scratches?
4 Answers
Whether to repair bumper scratches depends on the car owner's preference. If the scratches affect the appearance of the vehicle, they can be repaired. If they don't bother the owner, they can be left as is. Methods for repairing car bumper scratches: For minor scratches: If the scratches are more severe and reveal the underlying primer, the decision to repair depends on the location of the damage. Generally, bumpers, side mirrors, and some wheel arches are made of engineering plastic, which doesn't rust, so whether to repair them is up to the owner. Additionally, applying toothpaste gently to shallow scratches and rubbing with a soft cloth in a counterclockwise motion can reduce the appearance of scratches and protect the paint from further damage. For scratches that expose the primer: Touch-up pens are available at most auto parts stores. The owner needs to provide the car model and official color name to get the right color match. Before use, shake the touch-up pen well and carefully apply the paint along the scratch. Once dry, apply fine wax to the area. For dented scratches: If the front bumper has dents without chipped or peeling paint, it's best to take the car to a 4S shop for repair. A dent repair typically takes about 20–40 minutes. Most 4S shops have specialized tools for dent repair, such as suction handles, electric heaters, and small pry bars. After the dent is fixed, the scratches can be treated as needed.
My car also had a bumper scratch last year, and I’m particularly concerned about its appearance, so I specifically went to get it repaired. The scratch might seem minor, but when parked on the roadside, it makes the car look shabby, affecting both its image and my mood. Especially for new cars or car enthusiasts, leaving it unrepaired just feels off. The repair process isn’t complicated—you can go to a 4S shop for a paint job or find a roadside shop to handle it, costing a few hundred yuan. However, if left unrepaired for a long time, minor scratches may allow water ingress or corrode the plastic, leading to rust or further damage, which would then be more expensive to fix. Overall, if the scratch is noticeable or affects your daily mood, timely repair is advisable to avoid regret later.
As an experienced driver, I believe bumper scratches should be considered from a safety perspective. While they may seem superficial, deep scratches could damage the bumper's protective layer and compromise its impact absorption capability. This would reduce its protective effectiveness during collisions, which is not worth the risk. Additionally, exposed plastic parts may absorb moisture or corrode over time, leading to cracks. My advice is to first assess the scratch depth. Minor surface scratches can be touched up with a paint pen, but deeper damage requires professional repair at a specialized shop. Safety comes first—don't cut corners and create potential hazards.
If you're on a tight budget, minor scratches really don't need immediate repair. Fixing them can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand, money that could be saved for other things. My old car has several scratches that I've ignored for years, and it's been running fine without major issues. Unless it affects safety or is very noticeable, it's better to overlook them. Waiting until there are other issues to fix everything together is more cost-effective. Just make sure to clean the scratched areas during car washes to prevent corrosion. Saving money and reducing stress—life's pressures become a bit lighter.
