It’s inevitable. You’re out driving and you hear that telltale sound of a rock or piece of debris hitting your car. You try to ignore it but eventually you have to face the fact that there’s now a nasty scratch on your car. Whether it’s a tiny nick or a long deep gouge you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost to fix it.
The good news is that most car scratch repairs are relatively inexpensive. The bad news is that they can still be a pain to deal with. Here’s a look at the different types of car scratches and what you can expect to pay to have them repaired.
Minor Scratches
These are the tiny nicks and scratches that are usually no more than a few inches long. They may be barely visible but they’re still annoying. The good news is that minor scratches can often be easily repaired with a touch-up pen or paint.
If you’re going to try to repair the scratch yourself be sure to purchase a touch-up pen or paint that’s an exact match for your car’s color. Applying the wrong color of paint can make the scratch even more noticeable.
If you’re not confident in your ability to repair the scratch yourself you can always take it to a professional. They should be able to quickly and easily fix the scratch for a very reasonable price.
Moderate Scratches
Moderate scratches are usually a bit longer than minor scratches but they’re not necessarily deeper. They may be several inches long and may be visible from a few feet away.
As with minor scratches you can try to repair moderate scratches yourself with a touch-up pen or paint. However you may want to leave this type of repair to a professional. They’ll be able to ensure that the color is a perfect match and that the repair is virtually undetectable.
Deep Scratches
Deep scratches are the most serious type of scratch and can be very difficult to repair. They’re usually several inches long and may go all the way through the paint and into the primer or metal beneath.
Deep scratches usually require professional repair. The technician will need to sand down the area around the scratch to smooth it out. They’ll then apply a primer and paint the area to match the rest of the car.
The cost of professional repair will vary depending on the severity of the scratch and the make and model of your car. However you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for the repair.
Preventing Car Scratches
Of course the best way to deal with car scratches is to prevent them from happening in the first place. There are a few things you can do to protect your car from scratches including:
· Park in covered or underground parking whenever possible.
· Avoid driving on gravel roads.
· Be careful when getting in and out of your car.
· Keep your car clean and free of debris.
· Wax your car regularly.
· Inspect your car regularly for signs of scratches or other damage.
If you take these precautions you can help to keep your car looking good as new.
How much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car?
It depends on the severity of the scratch.
How do you fix a scratch on a car?
You can either take it to a professional or use a touch up paint.
How do you prevent scratches on a car?
You can park in a garage or avoid parking in high traffic areas.
What causes scratches on a car?
Scratches can be caused by other cars rocks or debris.
How do you remove a scratch from a car?
You can remove a scratch with a polishing compound or by sanding it down and repainting the area.
Is it bad to have a scratch on your car?
Scratches can affect the value of your car and can be difficult to repair.
How much does it cost to paint over a scratch on a car?
It depends on the size and severity of the scratch.
How long does it take to paint over a scratch on a car?
It depends on the size and severity of the scratch.
Is it better to fix a scratch on a car yourself or take it to a professional?
It depends on the size and severity of the scratch.
What are some at-home methods for fixing a scratch on a car?
You can use a touch up paint or a polishing compound.
What are some professional methods for fixing a scratch on a car?
A professional can sand down the area and repaint it.
How can you tell how deep a scratch is on a car?
You can tell how deep a scratch is by how much paint is missing.
Does insurance cover scratched cars?
It depends on the insurance policy.
How do you file a claim for a scratched car?
You would need to file a claim with your insurance company.
How do I know if my scratch is severe enough to need professional help?
If the scratch is deeper than the clear coat it will need to be sanded down and repainted.
