Types Of Car Scratches

Buying a new car is a thoughtful process. People consider the aesthetics, features and price before bringing a new vehicle home. Once the car is purchased, the onus is on the owner to keep it in top-notch condition. However, even with all the precautionary measures, cars are not immune to damage and the most common type of car damage is scratches.

Scratches can affect the overall appearance of your car and car enthusiasts prefer not to have a single one on their vehicles. We have compiled a list of the types of car scratches, their causes and how to avoid them.

How Scratches Affect a Car

Car scratches, besides being an unpleasant sight, also have several other effects. First up, car scratch repairs can cost a fair amount of money depending on the nature of the scratch. While some minor scratches can be fixed easily with DIY techniques and available components, major ones require a visit to the service centre.

Additionally, unfixed car scratches can have an impact on your car’s resale value. Buyers tend to check the vehicle for any apparent damage and scratches can prompt them to offer a relatively lower price. Scratches are rather difficult to hide and deeper ones can easily be detected with the naked eye. It is advised to get the scratches fixed at the earliest to avoid further deterioration and inconvenience.

Different Types of Car Scratches

Vehicles are designed to withstand different climatic and road conditions. They are able to do so with the protective layers added during manufacture. Scratches can be formed on different layers depending on the impact and material type. Listed below are the different types of car scratches and how you can identify them:

CLEAR COAT SCRATCHES

These are the most common types of car scratches. Clear coat scratches are formed on the outermost protective layer found above the paint. The layer is present to protect the car from acid rain, dust, and direct exposure to sunshine.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

While there are several ways to identify a clear coat scratch, the most convenient one is to use a fingernail. If a scratch is visible on the car but you cannot feel it with your fingernail, it would be a clear coat scratch. There are several car scratch removers which can help you get rid of clear coat scratches.

PAINT OR BASE COAT SCRATCH

Paint scratch also referred to as coat scratch is among the car scratches types. A paint scratch peels off the layer of paint but it does not go through completely. These scratches are also relatively easy to fix with suitable kits.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

A paint scratch can be identified with the same method used for clear coat scratches. However, the outcome is different for paint scratches. For a base coat scratch, you will feel it once you run your finger over it. You’ll likely still see the paint colour instead of the metal layer for this scratch.

PRIMER SCRATCH

These are the deepest types of car scratches you may come across. Primer scratches expose the metal of your car by going through the upper layers. Primer scratches, if not fixed promptly, can also cause further damage to your vehicles like car body rust and other issues.

Additionally, these scratches are rather difficult to repair on your own. You might have to take your car to a service station to get it back to pre-scratch condition.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

A primer scratch is rather easy to identify. If you are able to see the bear metal, you have a primer scratch. Exposure of metal to the atmosphere can lead to further deterioration and damage.

WHEEL SCRATCH

Not all scratches appear on a car’s body or cause car paint damage. A wheel scratch is also among the types of car scratches you may come across on your vehicle. Also known as curb rash, a wheel scratch usually occurs when the wheel is rubbed against a curb. A scuff or scratch is caused when a wheel rubs through a curb, however, both are different. The major difference between a scuff and a scratch is the intensity. A scratch is deeper than a scuff.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

Wheel scratches are fairly visible and can be seen with the naked eye. Deep cuts indicate a scratch while lighter ones can be scuffs.

PLASTIC TRIM SCRATCH

These scratches are on the plastic trim of your car. Plastic trim scratches are among the common car repairs but in extreme cases, you might have to change the component rather than get it fixed.

GLASS SCRATCH

A glass scratch only occurs on the windows or windshield of a vehicle. Like any other scratch, it can ruin the appearance of your vehicle. It is also unsafe to drive with scratches on the windshield. The reflection of sunlight and lights from other vehicles can impair vision. Check out these ways to remove car window scratches and get the repair job done efficiently.

Causes of Car Scratches

We have discussed the different types of car scratches, now let’s take a look at what causes them. Listed below are the most common causes of car scratches:

AUTOMATIC CAR WASH

Brushes used in automatic car washes can have debris from previous washes. This happens when the crew does not wash the brushes after every wash. The unclean brushes can cause scratches on your car. To avoid such inconveniences opt for popular car wash services like popular car wash in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities in the UAE.

IMPROPER WASHING

The types of clothes and components you use for cleaning the car can also contribute to scratches. For instance, an abrasive cloth can cause more damage than good. It is advised to use suitable cloth along with proper cleaning components for better results. You can also check out these reasons why your car is still dirty after a wash and ensure effective cleaning.

ROCKS OR PEBBLES

A car travels through different terrains and turfs. When you drive behind a vehicle, particularly a heavy one, there are chances it may divert rocks or pebbles from its tyres towards your car. The only effective way to avoid it is to keep your distance when driving behind heavy vehicles.

BIRD EXCREMENT AND DEAD BUGS

Bird excrements are not an unfamiliar sight particularly if you park your car under trees or poles. The acidic waste material if not cleaned promptly can mix with the car’s paint and become hard to remove. The attempt to remove the settled stains can cause scratches on your vehicle.

Additionally, dead bugs can also cause the same problem and lead to scratches if the fixture is delayed. Avoid parking your car under trees or places where birds are in excess.

HANGING TREE BRANCHES

Some routes may involve travelling between a long range of trees and plants. If the branches of the trees are hanging towards the road, they may brush over your car. The point branches can cause different types of scratches on cars. Try to avoid such routes or keep your car in the middle lane to avoid contact with the branches.

POOR PARKING HABITS

Bad parking habits can also cause different types of scratches on your car. Careless drivers can open car doors to billboards, footpaths, or other vehicles all of which lead to scratches and damages. Use the side mirrors to have a better understanding of your surroundings to park and exit your vehicle efficiently.

CAR KEYS

Car keys are one of the most common reasons that cause scratches. Occasionally, if you are carrying luggage or talking on the phone while unlocking your car, the car key can scrape through the paint. The evolution of car keys has seen the introduction of some unique keys including card keys, etc. However, if your vehicle is not equipped with automatic unlocking, be careful while inserting keys to avoid causing scratches.

Check out all these car scratch repairs to learn all about fixing any type of scratch. This brings us to the end of our guide about the types of car scratches and how to fix them. A well-maintained car is an owner’s delight and scratches can be an unpleasant sight. Keep your car in good condition to have a smooth driving experience and get a good resale offer.

That said, if your vehicle has severe scratches, buying a pre-used car may be a better option than spending money on repairs and paint. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of vehicles with original paint and scratchless bodies.

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for information about car repairs and more.