Top 7 Ways to Protect Your Car Body From Scratches

Buying a car is a significant investment, and as a result, you’d want to take good care of it and ensure it’s in top condition. The last thing you want is to see any marks or scratches on visible areas of your beloved car, but these could happen as a result of your actions or that of others, or in other cases, from the natural wear and tear of your car’s daily use. These dings, scratches, and dents, when not checked, can diminish your vehicle’s appearance and value. Considering that about 52% of car damage is a result of scratched paint, knowing how to prevent it is paramount. Here are some practical tips.

1. Choose your parking spots wisely

Many scratches on cars happen in the parking lot when the driver of the affected vehicle is away for a few minutes. That is why picking the right parking spot can make a significant difference in protecting your car from such inconveniences. First, opt for parking spots located in less busy or minimal traffic areas where the likelihood of another car brushing against yours is reduced. It is usually recommended to park at the end spaces of parking lots where other drivers are less likely to be looking to position their cars. Additionally, consider parking your car a bit farther from a busy parking lot. While this sounds inconvenient, it is an excellent preventive measure against scratches and likely to be caused by other cars in the same space. 

Another unconventional thing others do is to park next to well-maintained vehicles. That is fueled by the belief that owners of well-maintained vehicles are cautious drivers and go to extreme lengths to protect their cars. By protecting their cars, they inadvertently protect yours, especially when parking.

2. Use microfiber cloths for cleaning

Not all fabrics are created equal. Some cleaning cloths are smooth, while others are rough-textured and unabsorbent. That is why it is not recommended to use an old t-shirt or sponge as a replacement wiping cloth for your car. The best option is microfiber cloth, which is best for cleaning sensitive and scratch-prone surfaces like your treasured vehicle. This cloth picks up more dirt and grime than any other cleaning fabric would do, designed to hold less water for any cleaning job. Even better, microfiber cloth dries quickly, leaving no room for bacteria growth.

Thankfully, microfiber cloths are inexpensive and can be purchased from several car cleaning supply shops. You can take a further step by investing in high-quality car care products that keep your car’s fresh appearance for an extended period. It can be expensive to repaint your vehicle, especially when you live on a budget. Therefore, taking little proactive measures can help you do away with that financial inconvenience.

3. Invest in paint protection film

Paint protection film is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your car’s finish, especially after a paint job or re-spraying. Another name for this is Clear Bra, and many car owners are discovering more of its benefits and using it for their vehicles. Clear Bra is a modern car protection solution that is taking vehicle enhancement to the next level. While it may seem similar to waxing, this paint protection film acts as a thin but robust transparent barrier between the car’s actual surface and the environment. They are resistant to stone chips, road debris, and scratches. The film is made from urethane material and is seamlessly applied to your car’s painted exterior to create a flawless and undetectable finish. You can describe the Clear Bra as a sacrificial layer purposely designed to take the brunt of the damage your car would have been subjected to. Many car owners have accepted using it because of the extended coverage for high-impact areas like the front bumper, side mirrors, and hood. It’s interesting to note that the Clear Bra car protection solution also acts as a shield against harsh UV rays. Extended periods of the harsh sun can degrade your car’s paint over a period, but this protection film comes of great use, particularly in terms of car paint protection.

4. Wash your car regularly and maintain waxing schedules

Cleanliness enhances your vehicle’s appearance and, by extension, reduces scratches. A dirty car often carries small sand particles and debris that can scratch your car’s paint. The first few scratches may be invisible until they start to show over time. The more times you leave your car unwashed, the higher the chances of your exterior looking scratched. Sometimes, however, regular washing isn’t enough to protect your car from those pesky scratches. That is why it is advisable to have a regular car waxing schedule to protect your vehicle more. Waxing creates a smooth and slippery surface that makes it harder for debris and other tiny contaminants to stick to your car’s exterior parts. Rely on car waxing professionals for the best results because a poorly done waxing can damage your car when all you want is to protect it from scratches.

5. Install mud flaps and splash guards

Your car is most at risk of scratches in wet weather. That happens because you must drive through muddy parts of the streets where tiny sand particles are mixed with everything you can imagine, including water. Without mud flaps, you risk carrying mud and sandy contaminants on the sides of your car and risk scratching your vehicle’s coat. Mud flaps and splash guards are more than car accessories, as they also play a crucial functional role in lowering the risk of scratches on your vehicle.

When driving through muddy areas, the flaps and splash guards prevent small stones from being kicked up from the tires onto the sides of the vehicle. Mud splashes can reach as high as your car’s side mirrors if you speed through wet areas of the street or road. Having mud flaps and splash guards, however, does not mean you must speed in such areas.

6. Invest in a quality car cover

Your car must be properly covered on days when you aren’t moving it. Extended periods of outdoor parking without a car cover increase the risk of scratches since strong winds carry debris and particles that can land on your car and scratch its surfaces. Meanwhile, dried bird droppings may contain undigested seeds that increase the risk of damage. Other environmental factors can cause inconveniences, too, which is why a quality car cover is best. Buy one that provides full coverage without exposing any part of the car. Choose a soft, breathable material that won’t become an inconvenience in itself. It ensures proper ventilation to prevent condensation and excess moisture collection. Failing to do this accelerates rust and paint damage. 

7. Avoid placing objects on your car

If you often place your keys, grocery bags, or other items on your car’s roof or hood, these actions are potential causes of scratches that make you wonder how they happened. The scratches don’t occur overnight, so it’s challenging to know the outcomes until they become visible and many. These scratches usually appear as patched areas on the roof, hood, and trunk cover, depending on your car’s make. 

Some people also have a habit of sitting on the hoods of their cars, but this could also cause damage. First, consider the fabric of your clothes; if it’s a tough material like denim with metal buttons and zippers on the back side, it can scratch the bonnet, especially when you slide on and off the hood. These actions may sound good for convenience’s sake, but they cause aesthetic problems for your car in the long run.

Scratches on your car go beyond aesthetic concerns. They are potential causes of paint damage, which is why you need practical measures to keep your vehicle in excellent condition for a long time.