Do you feel irritated whenever you see a scratch on your car? If yes, then you need to find a professional to remove the scratch. Small scratches can appear out of the blue, while bigger scratches may happen when you squeeze your car in a parking lot or get involved in an accident. Scratches are inevitable no matter how careful one is. And while they may appear to be just minor cosmetic issues, they can become much bigger issues if not addressed. Here, we will explain why scratches occur, the types of scratches, and why it is always advisable to hire a professional auto detailer for car paint repair.
Why Do Cars Get Scratched?
As they say, it only takes a pin to prick a balloon, so it also does not take much to scratch a car. Small events such as a shopping cart rubbing on the car, branches falling on the car, or even rubbing a zipper of one’s jacket on the side of the car can lead to a scratch. There are also other causes that are even more irritating such as careless drivers parking close to your car or people who pull bags or keys over your freshly painted car and don’t even realize it. Some scratches are as thin as a line and are almost invisible to the naked eye while others can be deep and make your car not look good. Regardless of their sizes, they are always something to look out for.
Types of Scratches
- Clear Coat Scratches: This is the most common type of scratch that one is likely to encounter. A clear coat is a thin layer that is applied to the paint to protect it from wear and tear. It also protects the color from fading due to sun exposure, moisture, and other small particles. When your car has a clear coat scratch, it is barely noticeable and may only be seen as a thin line if observed from a specific angle. These scratches do not penetrate through the clear coat and can be easily eliminated through polishing.
- Paint Scratches: This type of scratch removes the clear coat and reaches the paint layer of the car. Since the protective clear coat has been broken, the area becomes exposed to external forces so dust and water penetrate into the scratch. If it is not dealt with early enough, it will worsen the look of your car. Touching up a paint scratch entails sanding, painting, and then applying a new layer of clear coat.
- Primer or Bare Metal Scratches: These are the worst types of scratches that your vehicle can get. They penetrate through the clear coat and paint down to the primer or even the metal surface beneath it. When metal is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to rust and corrosion. Once rust starts to develop, it is very hard to control and can cause damage to the metal body of the car.
These kinds of scratches must be addressed as soon as possible and can only be fixed by a professional. The repair process may include washing the area, sanding off the rust if any, applying a filler to the affected area, painting it and applying a coat on the surface to give it a new look.
Can You Remove Scratches Yourself?
Yes, there are DIY kits in the market that can remove very slight scratches. However, when it comes to deep scratches, it becomes a different story. There is always a possibility of worsening the situation if you do not know the right way of removing a scratch. For instance, one may apply the wrong type of buffer or compound which will end up dulling the paint or leaving swirl marks. That is where professional help comes in.
Choose Swedish Auto Service For Your Vehicle’s Scratch Removal
At Swedish Auto Service, we don’t 
just mask the problem; we repair it. Our technicians have experience in European cars and we handle each car with the attention it requires. Whether it is a small scratch or a deep scratch, we use the right equipment and products to restore the shine of your car. We have been operating in Austin, TX since 1993 and we also extend our services to Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander and other surrounding areas. To get our professional scratch removal, contact us through a phone call or a physical visit.
