Keeping your car in top condition should be every car enthusiast’s priority. Being a car owner, you know the pain behind every scratch. With constant use, you’re likely to notice some scratches here and there.
In this blog, we will share seven tips on “how to protect your car from scratches” that will save you money and time in the future.
Understanding Types of Paint Scratches
A scratch can give different levels of damage to the paint based on the depth of the scratches. These scratches are classified into four major types. Understanding each type of paint scratch is crucial before reading about “how to protect car paint from scratches” so that your car’s look remains excellent.
1.) Scratches on Clear Coat
This is the top layer that protects the colour underneath the vehicle. This layer gives your car a glossy look and prevents the paint from discolouration. Scratches on this layer are the easiest to fix; the damage is not deep but still noticeable.
2.) Scratches on Paint (Base Coat)
The base coat is the actual paint of the vehicle. These layers lack hardness or strength, as they are raw paint coated on top of primer. Scratches on this layer can be more challenging to fix. The expert can remove the scratch with the compounding method.
3.) Scratches on Primer
If the scratch reaches this layer, you must take this seriously. These damages require more work to fix because you must apply new paint to cover them up.
4.) Metal Scratches
This is the most severe level of scratch. A scratch on this layer indicates that the damage has penetrated all the layers of the car’s finish. You need to fix the scratches on this layer, as they can lead to rust and other impairments if you leave them untreated.
How to Protect Car From Scratches?
Nobody likes a scratched car, and everyone should ensure that avoiding scratches is their top priority. Below are some preventative measures that will help you to protect your car from scratches:
Tip 1. Park Wisely
Park Wisely
Make sure you find a perfect spot to park your vehicle. Find a more safe and spacious place. This will minimize the potential damage. You can opt for a corner spot to prevent other vehicles from bumping into your car.
Tip 2. Protect it with Paint Protection Film
Protect it with Paint Protection Film
You can protect it from car PPF, as it will create an additional physical layer of protection that will absorb the impact of various scratches. PPF will make it difficult for damage to reach the vehicle’s clear coat. Also, paint protection films are self-healing, minor scratches will get self-healed in the presence of heat.
Tip 3. Protect With Car Cover
Protect With Car Cover
It is recommended to use a car cover to shield it from tree branches, UV rays, rain, insects, bird drops, and other elements that might affect the car paint while the car is parked. These environmental elements might cause minor scratches or swirl marks on the surface.
Tip 4. Wash Regularly
Wash Regularly
You should gently clean your car regularly with mild soap, soft brushes, and microfiber towels. You should avoid using harsh detergents and stiff brushes as they can scratch the paint.
Tip 5. Use Ceramic Coating
Use Ceramic Coating
Using a ceramic coating to protect your car from scratches is like applying a super-strong, invisible shield around it. This coating bonds with the vehicle’s original factory paint and shields the surface from scratches. It will also add a glossy, rich finish to your paint.
Tip 6. Drive Safely
Drive Safely
How you drive can also affect your car’s exterior. Steer clear of bushes, avoid tight spots, and be cautious of road debris. The more careful you are while driving, the less likely you are to bump into something.
Tip 7. Regular Check-Ups
Regular Check-Ups
Take your car for regular check-ups to examine the damages properly by the expert. Catching a small scratch early can prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.
Conclusion
To sum up, we have explained in detail the level of paint scratches and how to protect car from scratches. Although you cannot eliminate the impact by 100%, following the tips mentioned, you can avoid these scratches. The most effective solution to shield your vehicle is paint protection film. It can benefit high-impact areas like the front bumper or hood, providing peace of mind against everyday wear and tear. You can prevent scratches by driving carefully on the road and mindfully parking it. Also, if your car is badly scratched, you can seek professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
1.) Can toothpaste remove car scratches?
Yes, toothpaste works sometimes to remove the scratches from the surface. This is ideal for scratches that have not penetrated the clear coat. It will smooth out the car’s paint and will give a flawless paint effect. But this will not work in case of deep scratches.
2.) How do you prevent scratches on cars?
How to Protect Paint From Scratches, is the most common question asked. Below are some preventative measures:
- Park your car wisely
- Get it shielded with paint protection film
- Avoid parking in areas with many low-hanging branches
- Apply Ceramic coating or wax
- Don’t use hard brushes and wash mitts in car cleaning
3.) Can car wax remove scratches?
No car wax will not remove the car scratches, but it helps you to prevent the scratches. It will create a protective layer to the clear coat.
4.) Does ceramic coating hide scratches?
Ceramic coating will not work efficiently to hide deeper scratches. Ceramic coatings can help minimize the appearance of light scratches. This coating will create a glossy effect on the surface and it makes scratches less noticeable.
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