Johannesburg – It only takes a second.
A shopping trolley brushes against your car, you misjudge a tight parking space, or someone opens their door a little too enthusiastically.
And just like that, there’s a scratch that definitely wasn’t there this morning.
The question is, can you sort it out yourself, or is your wallet about to take a knock?
According to Keagan Sloman, Head of Product and Commercial at The Unlimited, the first step is figuring out what you’re actually dealing with.
“Not all scratches are created equal, and not every mark that looks like a scratch actually is one,” Sloman said.
“Sometimes it’s paint transferred from another object rather than damage to your car’s own paintwork.
“Other times it’s little more than a surface mark. And then there are scratches that cut right through the clear coat.
“The trick is knowing the difference before you try to fix anything.”
The fingernail test
Your car’s paintwork has several layers, including primer, colour and a protective clear coat.
How deeply a scratch has penetrated these layers can help determine whether a DIY repair is an option.
Sloman suggests a simple first check: gently run your fingernail across the scratch.
“If your nail glides over it without catching, there’s a good chance the damage is limited to the clear coat,” Sloman said.
“Lighter scratches can often be improved with the right polishing product.
“But if your nail catches, or you can see a different colour or bare metal underneath, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.”
He cautions that the test is only a useful starting point, however, not a definitive diagnosis.
When a little polish might do the trick
There’s also a difference between hiding a scratch and removing it.
Some waxes can temporarily disguise fine marks, but the scratch itself remains.
A polishing compound, on the other hand, may remove or reduce shallow surface damage.
But before reaching for any product, check that it’s suitable for your car’s finish.
Most scratch removers are designed for glossy paintwork and can leave shiny patches on matte or satin finishes.
For surface scratches, Sloman said the temptation is often to start rubbing straight away.
That’s where things can go wrong.
“Always clean and dry the area properly first,” Sloman said.
“If there’s dirt or grit on the surface, you could end up creating more scratches while trying to remove the original one.”
He recommends following the product instructions carefully and applying only light pressure.
“The important word is light. More pressure doesn’t necessarily mean a better result,” Sloman said.
“Some polishing products are abrasive, and overdoing it can damage the surrounding paintwork.”
When to call a professional
If the scratch is deep, or there’s chipped paint, exposed metal or an accompanying dent, Sloman advises against attempting a DIY fix.
“Sometimes what looks like a small cosmetic problem is more complicated than it appears,” Sloman said.
“An expert can assess the damage properly, explain what needs repairing and give you an idea of the cost.”
But he also cautions against ignoring scratches simply because they’re small.
If the protective paint layers are damaged and metal is exposed, moisture can result in corrosion over time, potentially turning a minor blemish into a more expensive repair.
A small scratch doesn’t have to be a big headache
Scratches and dents are an unfortunate part of everyday driving, and even the most careful driver can’t control what happens in a busy car park.
For damage that needs more than a little polish, The Unlimited’s Scratch and Dent cover helps members fix eligible light scratches and minor dents on their car’s exterior, subject to the cover’s terms and limits.
“Nobody wants to find a new scratch on their car, especially when they have no idea what it might cost to put right,” Sloman said.
“But having the right cover can take some of the frustration out of those unexpected moments.”
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