Why Can Small Branches Scratch Car Paint?
2 Answers
Although small branches usually bounce off when they come into contact with a car, if the branch is broken with sharp edges or is relatively sharp, combined with factors like the angle of contact and the speed of the vehicle, it can scratch the car paint. Here is some extended information on how to deal with scratched car paint: 1. Surface scratches: If the scratch is very shallow and only affects the surface paint, it can be treated with a compound. The method involves wiping in a straight line. Once the scratch disappears, use a finer compound and then apply wax. 2. New scratches: After cleaning the area, apply primer directly. Once the primer dries, use sandpaper to smooth it out, or apply toothpaste in gentle circular motions over the scratch. However, during rain or car washes, you may need to reapply. Toothpaste can serve as a temporary rust prevention measure, but during the next full car maintenance, it's best to properly repair the scratch.
In fact, car paint is like the outer clothing of a vehicle. The thin clear coat layer applied on the metal surface is particularly fragile and primarily serves to protect the gloss. However, the clear coat is usually only a fraction of a millimeter thick, so seemingly insignificant small branches can become sharp little blades when blown by wind or brushed against with force: the fine particles and hardness of the branches rub against the car paint surface, instantly creating scratches. I remember one time my car was parked under a tree, and with a gust of wind, the branches lightly brushed against it, leaving several white lines on the paint. Such scratches may seem minor, affecting only the appearance, but in severe cases, they can expose the underlying metal, accelerating rust and aging. Therefore, to avoid this, it's best not to park under trees or to clean the car body promptly to reduce debris accumulation. This is no trivial matter—repairing micro-scratches can cost a significant amount each time, so daily protection is crucial to prevent them from worsening to the point where repainting is necessary.
