Scratches can ruin the look of your car, making it less appealing. Unfortunately, it is very difficult for even experienced drivers to protect their cars from scratches. Sometimes even a simple thing like dragging a grocery bag on your trunk lid can cause scratches.
Hiring an expert to get rid of scratches is quite expensive and that is why many people choose to ignore them. Thankfully some scratches can easily be removed without the need for expensive repair at an auto body shop.
In this guide, we have shared tips on how to fix scratches on your car. However, it is important to bear in mind that the tips given above are only effective in fixing small and light scratches. If your car has very deep or large scratches then you may require to take it to a professional auto body shop for repair. Now without further ado, let’s get into the article.
1. Use Toothpaste
One of the most effective and cheap ways to get rid of small light scratches is by using toothpaste. Of course, we all know toothpaste is used to clean teeth. However, the same toothpaste can also be used to get rid of scratches in a car.
Using toothpaste to get rid of scratches is a simple process that will take you a few minutes to complete.
- Start by cleaning the scratched area with soap and clean water to get rid of all debris stuck.
- Wet a microfiber cotton with clean water then add toothpaste depending on the size of the scratches.
- Rub the scratched area evenly in a circular motion with the toothpaste until all scratches are removed.
Whitening toothpaste gives more desirable results but any toothpaste can get the job done. Please apply the toothpaste with a soft microfiber towel to ensure that you don’t cause more damage when rubbing the scratched area.
Apply some pressure while applying the toothpaste but it should not be too much to cause damage. If one application does not remove all scratches, repeat the process one or two times until all scratches are removed.
2. Use a Scratch Removal Product
Another easy way to get rid of scratches is by using a scratch removal product that can be purchased at your nearest auto supply store.
Scratch removal products are usually sold as a kit and they include buffing pads and a scratch removal solution. If you are not sure which type of scratch removal product to use, ask the staff at the auto supply store to help you choose the right product for your car.
- Before applying the scratch-resistant product, clean the area thoroughly to ensure that all debris is removed.
- Any debris left on the surface can cause more scratches. So make sure you clean the area with soap and clean water first, then let it dry.
- Gently apply the scratch-resistant product to the scratched area using a microfiber cloth or a buffing pad provided in the kit. The amount of product to apply depends on the size of the scratched area.
- Distribute the product evenly on the cloth or pad before you begin to work on the scratched area. Use the back and forth motion or the circular motion to apply the scratch-resistant product to the scratched surface.
- Once you are done, clean the area with clean water to get rid of the scratch-resistant product residue.
3. Paint the Scratch Area
You can also fix scratches on your car by painting the scratched area. Repainting is highly recommended because it delivers long-term results and it also makes your car very attractive.
However, this process should only be attempted on your own if you have the right repainting devices. Also, the quality of painting products that you use will determine the quality of results you will get.
Car paint has a huge impact on the car’s appearance, meaning that when you make a mistake, then it will result in a bad appearance. Not all scratches can be fixed through repainting though. So, before you decide to repaint the scratched area, check the area carefully to know if it will deliver a flawless outcome.
- Begin by sanding the scratched area to remove the top part of the paint.
- Rinse the area thoroughly to get rid of all debris left after sanding the area then use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to wipe the area dry.
- Spray a few coats of primer on the area you have just sanded using the back and forth motion then give it about 10 minutes for the primer coat to dry.
- The next process is to apply the actual paint that matches that of your car. Spray a few coats of paint on the area where you had applied the primer.
- Once you apply a coat, wait for about 5 minutes before applying another coat.
- Complete the process by waxing the area that you have just repainted to keep the paint intact.
4. Use Brake Fluid
Brake fluid can also help to get rid of light scratches on your car.
- Start by cleaning the scratched area with soap and clean water to get rid of all debris.
- Dry the area with a clean microfiber towel before applying the brake fluid.
- Pour the braking fluid directly on the scratched area. Apply the braking fluid carefully to avoid polishing other parts of the car that have not been scratched.
- Leave the braking fluid on the scratched area for at least 20 minutes before cleaning the area with clean water.
- Repeat the process again if you still spot some scratches.
Brake fluid, however, is only good at dissolving dirt and other particles on the paint’s surface. So, it doesn’t work that well for deep scratches. But if your car has a minor scratch, then you can use brake fluid to get rid of it.
5. Use Wax
Another great way to get rid of scratches is by using wax. This scratch removal technique is highly recommended for beginners because it is very simple.
Wax is available both in the form of solid and liquid. When it comes to removing scratches from the car, liquid wax is used because it is very abrasive.
Apply the liquid wax to the scratched area slowly and gently to ensure that it does not spread to other parts. Give it about 5 before cleaning the area with clean water. You can repeat the process again if you still spot some scratches.
Final Thoughts
Fixing scratches on a car is a simple process that you can do on your own using locally available products like toothpaste, brake fluid, wax, scratch removal products, and much more. However, if the scratch is too deep and wide, you should have it fixed by a professional auto body expert.
Gabby is a passionate automotive enthusiast who loves nothing more than rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty with DIY maintenance projects. In his spare time, Gabby enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences with others through his website and blog.