What to Do If Your Car Gets Scratched?
3 Answers
Methods to deal with car scratches: 1. If the scratch only affects the clear coat layer, it can be polished; 2. If the scratch damages the color coat layer, a repaint is needed for repair; 3. If the scratch causes metal deformation of the body panel, bodywork repair is required, followed by repainting. Generally, bumpers, side mirrors, and some wheel arch parts are made of engineering plastic, which won't rust. Whether to repaint these areas depends on the owner's preference. However, if such severe scratches appear on other parts of the car body, repainting is necessary. Otherwise, even a small damage can lead to rusting of the steel plate.
That day when I drove out, my car got scratched accidentally, and I felt a bit anxious, but I quickly calmed myself down. The first thing I did was to pull over to a safe spot, turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers, and make sure not to block the road. Then, I got out to check the extent of the scratch. If it was a minor scratch, I took some photos with my phone to document the scene, including close-ups of the scratch and the surrounding environment, which would help with later processing. If someone else caused the damage, it’s best to get contact information from any witnesses or check for nearby surveillance cameras. Next, handle the accident by calling the insurance company to report the incident—they can guide you on what to do. For minor damage, you can try cleaning it yourself with a damp cloth to remove dust and prevent rust. Later, when you take the car to the dealership for repairs, the photos can serve as proof of responsibility. Remember, safety comes first—don’t panic.
I used to encounter minor scratches and dents on my car quite often, and over time, I got used to fixing them myself. For example, if there are slight scratches on the car's paint surface, I first wash the area thoroughly with car wash soap, let it dry, and then gently sand it smooth with fine sandpaper, being careful not to press too hard and damage the primer. After sanding, I wipe off the dust and then apply a coat of car wax evenly over the scratched area to restore the surface's shine. If the scratch isn't too deep, using a touch-up pen to fill in the color is enough, and it's very cost-effective. However, if the scratch exposes bare metal, it's important to treat it promptly to prevent rust by applying some rust-proof oil as a temporary protection. Professional paint jobs at repair shops yield better results, but I do it myself to save money and gain experience. Parking in less crowded areas during daily use can also help reduce the risk of scratches.
