Basic Types of Car Scratches: Can You Fix Them Yourself?

There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering a new scratch on your vehicle. But did you know that vehicle scratches vary in depth? Knowing the type of scratch will help you find the right fix, so you can make your vehicle look good as new again. 

The 3 Types of Car Scratches 

Car scratches can be classified into three basic types: primer, color coat, and clear coat scratches. As their names suggest, each type is categorized depending on the depth of the scratch and the layer penetrated. 

Clear Coat Scratches 

The clear coat is the outermost layer of the paint on your vehicle. This thick and transparent coating protects the inner paint layers from abrasions. It also gives your vehicle its sleek and glossy look. 

Considering that this is the top layer of your vehicle’s paint, it isn’t surprising that a lot of light scratches fall under this category. Clear coat scratches don’t damage the color and primer. Instead, they cause natural light to reflect unevenly, making the scratches somewhat visible. 

Careless car washing and contact with sharp objects like your car keys can scratch your clear coat if you aren’t very careful. Luckily, applying a scratch remover using a microfiber towel can fix some light scratches. 

Color Coat Scratches 

The color coat is the second layer of paint from the surface of your vehicle. Also called a base coat, this layer is what gives your vehicle surface its color. A color coat scratch is deeper than a clear coat scratch, but it isn’t deep enough to expose the metal surface of your vehicle. 

Color coat scratches are deeper and more difficult to fix than clear coat scratches. You may get them from a minor collision (like hitting a tree branch while driving) or if someone purposely scratched your vehicle. 

Since these scratches remove the color from your vehicle’s paint, you’ll need to have the spots repainted to get rid of them. You can fix some of these scratches using DIY touch-up paint, but it’s best to leave the job to a professional if the damage is extensive. 

Primer Scratches 

Your vehicle’s primer coat is the deepest paint layer on your vehicle. It is the coating applied on the metal surface of your vehicle to protect and prepare it for other paint layers. 

Primer scratches are most likely caused by minor to major collisions. Addressing this type of damage is crucial because it can cause the exposed metal surface to rust when left untreated for too long. It may also affect your vehicle’s resale value, so it’s best to enlist the help of a professional as soon as possible. 

Other Scratches 

Aside from the types of car paint scratches mentioned above, there are other kinds of damage you should watch out for. Different plastic trim pieces, bumpers, as well your headlight units and windows are also vulnerable to scratches. 

Preventing Car Scratches 

Even the most careful drivers can end up with scratches on their vehicles. While it’s impossible to protect your vehicle at all times, there are ways you can minimize the risk of scratching your vehicle. Here are some of them: 

Use the Proper Tools for Car Washing

Hastily cleaning your vehicle can cause scratches. If you’re not careful enough, unseen debris on your sponge can damage the surface of your vehicle. If you wash your vehicle yourself, we recommend investing in the proper cleaning tools and replacing them as needed. Moreover, using t-shirts as wash rags can scratch your vehicle’s paint.

Apply Wax on Your Vehicle 

Applying a thin layer of wax can protect your vehicle’s clear coat. While this may not prevent deep scratches, you’ll be able to prevent shallow ones. There are plenty of carnauba and synthetic car waxes available on the market today, so choose one that best fits your needs. 

Here are a few tips for applying car wax: 

Be sure to wash and dry the surface properly before applying wax. It’s also a good idea to prep the surface by using a clay bar before waxing.

Avoid applying wax under direct sunlight. In extreme heat, the elements found in your car wax can react, making it difficult to apply properly on your vehicle. 

Take your time. Don’t do this job hastily. Make sure that you apply the wax evenly so that there’s an equal layer of protection on your vehicle. 

Apply your wax in thin coats. Apply thin layers of wax, one on top of the other, instead of doing it all in one go. 

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Car Scratches?

You can spend anywhere between $300 and $2,000 on professional repairs, depending on the severity of the scratches. For context, the average cost of fixing scratches on a medium-priced sedan is around $650. Of course, the price varies depending on the type of vehicle you own and the extent of paint damage. 

If your vehicle is scratched and dented due to an accident, your insurance will generally cover the repair costs. It’s best to coordinate with your insurance provider to find out which repairs are covered by your policy.

Where to Get Different Types of Waxes for Your Vehicle

It pays to invest in high-quality car wax, whether you’re looking to conceal minor scratches or want to prevent them. Lucky for you, you don’t have to visit local auto parts shops to get top-notch wax for your ride. There’s no shortage of options to choose from when you shop online at CarParts.com.

Our website makes it easy for car owners like you to find the right type of wax for your ride. Our selection also includes accurate and detailed product information, but if you have questions, our friendly customer service team is available 24/7 via our toll-free hotlines. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

All our car waxes are on hand and ready to ship from our strategically located warehouses across the US. That means, if you order one today, you can get it in as fast as two business days. Don’t worry about going over budget. Our high-quality car waxes come with a low-price guarantee, ensuring you can find one that won’t break the bank.

Protect your daily driver from scratches. Check out our catalog and buy high-quality car wax today!