What Are the Consequences of Not Treating Scratched Car Paint?
3 Answers
If the scratch damages the primer and is left untreated for a long time, the affected area may corrode and rust when exposed to water. The method for treating car scratches mainly depends on the severity of the scratch, which can be categorized as light scratches, moderate scratches, and deep scratches. Light scratches can be removed with a touch-up pen: These are usually caused by small stones or branches during driving and are generally minor. A touch-up pen matching the car's color can be used to treat the scratches. Moderate scratches require quick touch-up: For moderate scratches, it's essential to visit a professional auto repair shop for quick touch-up. Avoid exposing the scratched area to water to prevent corrosion. Severe scratches should be sent directly to a 4S shop: For severe damage, the car should be taken to a 4S shop immediately, where professional repair and maintenance services will be provided.
As an experienced driver who has driven many cars, I'm very concerned about the consequences of leaving car paint scratches untreated. First and foremost, the most critical issue is rust. Scratches expose the metal body, allowing moisture to seep in during rain or humid weather, leading to rapid rust formation. What might start as a small yellow spot can spread within months, corroding larger areas of the body. In severe cases, it can even rust through the panel, causing water leakage onto interior components. This is no trivial matter - rusted frames compromise structural integrity, posing risks during high-speed driving. Secondly, the vehicle's appearance becomes utterly ruined, looking shabby enough to make friends frown. When selling second-hand, buyers will undoubtedly slash prices drastically; a car originally worth 100,000 might drop to 60,000-70,000. Finally, repair costs skyrocket - while touching up small scratches costs 100-200 yuan, replacing entire rusted panels can run into thousands. That's why I immediately take my car to the repair shop upon discovering any scratches. Addressing issues promptly saves both peace of mind and money - never procrastinate and let minor problems become major disasters.
As a young car enthusiast who treats my car like my life, I immediately panic when the paint gets scratched. The consequences of not fixing it are terrible. First, the appearance is ruined—that glaring white scratch is an eyesore, and driving to gatherings makes me the butt of jokes for being sloppy. More realistically, it drastically depreciates the car's resale value. Last time I traded in my car, a small untreated scratch led to rust, and the buyer only offered half the price. The rusting process is alarmingly fast—high humidity on rainy days causes the metal to oxidize like a sponge absorbing water. If left unfixed for too long, the paint will age and crack, making even car washes risky. To save money, I suggest DIY fixes—buying a touch-up paint pen online for under 50 bucks to cover the scratch and prevent rust. Delaying repairs will only make them costlier and drag down the car's overall value. Regular maintenance and washing can also prevent further damage. Bottom line: don’t slack off—fix it early!
