How To Prevent Your Car From Scratches
November 24th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
If you love your car, then even one tiny scratch – not to mention an even longer and larger one – can ruin your day. And if left untreated, a scratch can quickly grow from a blemish into a more serious problem.
So how to protect your car from scratches? There’s a lot of buzz about scratch-free car paint. Although it’s being worked on, scratch-free car paint isn’t a viable solution yet. But here’s some good news: you can significantly reduce the likelihood of getting a scratch by focusing on:
- How you drive and park your car
- How you wash your car
- How you treat your car
Strategies to prevent scratches
Let’s look at some specific strategies that you can start applying right away:
How you drive and park your car
Drive cautiously and be hyper-alert in busy, congested areas. Avoid tight sections where an object or vegetation could nick your car.
Now, what if we told you that you could minimize the risk of car scratches while also getting your daily exercise? The next time you enter a parking lot, park farther away from the building’s entrance in quieter and more remote sections – even if it means you have to take a little stroll. Look for a spot where there isn’t a car next to you. If that isn’t possible, make it a policy not to park next to cars with visible scratches and dings on their exterior.
Whether you have a new car or just take pride in your old beater, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the probability of scratches happening to you:
How you treat your car
Keep scratches at bay by treating your car with respect. Don’t let anyone sit on your car, because that can cause a scratch in your paint. And don’t put items on your car roof, even temporarily, because that can also cause a scratch.
How you wash your car
Generally speaking, washing your car yourself is less risky than using an automatic car wash, which is more likely to scratch your car. On the other hand, if you don’t know what you’re doing, washing your car is one of the easiest ways to accidentally scratch your paint. This can happen when you use a sponge on your car. Instead, use a soft microfiber towel.
Another cause of scratches is contaminating your bucket of soap with grime. If you just use one bucket, make sure to rinse off your towel each time and use your elbow grease to scrub it clean. Otherwise, you are essentially rubbing dirt back into your car’s paint. If you’re able to, try using two buckets next time you wash your car.
Don’t use a paper towel or dry cloth to get rid of grime, which could create friction and cause a scratch. Also, if you clean from the bottom up, you risk transporting the grime on the bottom of the car to the top. Always wash from top to bottom.
Maybe one day there will be scratch-free car paint and a scratch-free car. But for now, don’t take scratches lightly. If left untreated, they could become a catalyst for corrosion. If you discover scratches or dents on your car, or are in a collision, bring your vehicle to your local Fix Auto USA and let our professional and highly trained technicians take care of your car – and you! Fix Auto USA is open for business and ready to serve you.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Santa Clara, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop serving Santa Clara, Alviso, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Milpitas, Mountain View, Fremont, and surrounding communities.
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