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Car Scratches - Tips and Solutions

Anything we buy stays that way for the first few days. The same applies to cars. The first scratch on the new car can make the owner angry or send him into the depression mode. A while later, comes the second scratch, then the third, and the interest in protecting the car from scratches is gradually lost.

Keeping the new car scratch free is what one must aim at. We have already discussed about secrets to a healthy car. Now, here are some tips and solutions to help keep your new car the way it was while in the showroom.

Keep your new car clean at all times. Use a high-power car wash product that will shoo away the road dirt and filth from your car. These days, we also find car wash systems in the market that do not let the dust and dirt particles stick on to the car's exteriors.

Harsh commercial cleaning solutions can damage the car's finish. Use gentle, organic products and avoid commercial car washes to keep your car looking like new. Also, avoid contaminating the cleaning tools. Even tiny pieces of gravel or sand can cause noticeable scratches in the paint.

Add a quarter or half cup of car wash solution in a bucket and then fill it with warm water. Fill another bucket with plain water. Rinse the car and wheels by lightly spraying water to loosen the dirt. Get rid of the stains. Remove tar stains with a tar remover. Dip a woolen mitt into the soapy solution and wash the car without rubbing too hard. In case you find dirt or sand, rinse it in clear water before continuing. After the soap-water wash, wash the car in clean water.

Apply a coat of wax to keep the car's finish bright and shiny. A vehicle paint protection sealant can be another option for reducing pitting, paint chipping, and other scratches. Such products are available in auto parts supply stores. Be sure your car is thoroughly cleaned, including tyre rims, before applying wax or a paint protectant. Also, do not forget to undercoat.

You parking strategies can also increase your car's span as a new car. Leaving your car parked in a shopping centre lot for a long time will only increase chances of adding scratches and scrapes to your car.

Finding the right place may be difficult. But, as far as possible, park your car in a place where you can be sure that it will not suffer unnecessary scratches and bumps from other cars in the front or back of your car.

Park your new car further away from the main area. Double park by taking up two spaces. But, do this further away as it wouldn't be fair to take two spaces near the building and make others leave their car further away than necessary. Moreover, eating so much space can lead another angry car owner into venting out his anger by bumping into your car.

Have your new car professionally detailed. Get advice on a reputable auto detailing outfit to get the most professional job done at the best price.

If you find a scratch on your car, clean that area with soap and water. Remove grease or wax from that area using a degreaser. If the area is rusty, use a 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to remove the rust. Follow up with a rust-treatment product. Using clear paint, paint a few thin coats onto the scratched area. Wipe any excess paint from the brush before applying, so you don't have a paint mess. Then allow it to dry completely. Apply several coats of the colored paint. Allow twenty minutes of drying time between each application. Again, make sure to wipe any excess paint from the brush. When it is completely dry, apply a few more coats of clear gloss paint. After three days, apply the rubbing compound using a soft cotton cloth.

If you have a smaller scratch, use a paint pen instead of the brush-cap bottle.

Remember, you shouldn't be waxing your car for at least one month after touching up scratches.

If you do not to apply paint on the scratched area, here you go. You'll need a brush-cap bottle of automotive touch up paint in your car's paint color, brush-cap bottle of automotive touch up paint in clear gloss and rubbing compound. Press the tip of the paint pen on a clean, hard surface to start the paint flowing. Clean the excess of paint from the tip using a clean rag; then apply three or four thin coats to the scratched area. Let the paint dry completely. Spray the painted area with automotive clear coat. Apply several thin coats and let it dry following the product manufacturer's recommendations. Sand the area using 1000-grit sandpaper and water. Work the painted area to a smooth finish. Thoroughly clean the area of dust. Apply rubbing compound to the painted area to give it a shine.

Identify your car's enemies and do not let them harm your car. Tree sap, bird droppings, pet hair, bugs and rodents can all damage your brand new car.

Sooner or later your car is guaranteed to suffer a scratch or two. It's just part of the car's life cycle. But, don't leave it that way. The smaller scratches can be mended with touch-up paint. The owner can himself improve the car's appearance without the expense of a professional body shop. You would need professional help only to fix the giant ones. Get rid of the scratches and see your car shine and smile to glory.

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