Scratches on your car’s body aren’t just unsightly. They can also lower the value of your car and expose the underlying metal to the weather. As a result, you might see premature rusting and further damage to the car’s paint. The guide below explains the most common sources of auto body scratches and how you can protect your automotive paint.

How Your Automotive Paint Might Get Scratched

1. Road Debris

Small pieces of debris often get thrown up by car tires, and if they collide with your car’s body, they may leave small scratches or chips. Obviously, you can’t eliminate this factor, but you can do your best to minimize their impact. Waxing your car provides a protective coat that can keep this debris from directly impacting your automotive paint.

2. Improper Washing

Using the wrong cleaners and tools when you’re washing your car can lead to auto body damage. Using rags that are too rough or pushing too hard may create friction between your rag or the sponge and the paint. Even automatic car washes can inflict damage, as their brushes accumulate dirt from other cars, creating an abrasive texture on the bristles that may scratch the paint. For maximum protection, you should only hand wash your car using cloths and cleaners specifically designed for automotive paint.

3. Minor Accidents

Accidents are common while out on the road. You could be pulling into a parking spot, misjudge the clearance you have, and end up scraping someone else’s car. In other cases, another driver may sideswipe you, leaving numerous scratch marks on your doors. You should find an auto body shop that you can trust to repair the scratches. They’ll be able to fill the scratches and match the paint to the rest of your car, so no one will be able to tell that the collision happened. 

If you need a scratch, automotive paint, or body repair, turn to Bob Hastings Collision in East Rochester, NY. For over 45 years, they’ve been the area’s source for frame repair and cosmetic jobs. To learn more about their ASE and I-CAR certified team, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 383-8150.