In the know: Tips to prevent scratches on your car

As car owners, we treat our vehicle as prized possessions. That said, it pains us to see scrapes and scratches on our vehicle’s paint. Not only do these nicks make for an eyesore, but they can also affect the market value of our rides — just in case we plan to sell them.

On that note, here are a few tips that will help meticulous car owners from getting scratches on their precious four-wheelers.

Wash your car regularly

Washing our cars regularly will rid them of dust and dirt accumulated from the road. While they may look small (like really small) they can cause abrasion and create small scratches on your car’s smooth surface.

Depending on how often you use your ride, you can schedule washes once or twice a week. Washing can be left in the hands of professionals or can be done at home.

If you choose the former, your car will be cleaned using professional-quality equipment but if you pick the latter, you will get the chance to know the nooks and crannies of your vehicle and see for yourself if there are chips and notches that might be new to you.

Avoid putting stuff on your car

It’s not uncommon that we find ourselves putting things on top of our cars. Be it a cup of coffee, a fanny pack, or a smartphone. And while we’re almost always conscious about the things we put on top of our car’s hood, roof, or trunk lid, it would be a good practice not to.

The things we put on it might fall down, and when it does, then you’re looking at all kinds of trouble. Your keys might scratch the paint as you hurry off to catch the envelope falling off your car’s roof; your side mirrors might get damaged as you rush to save that cup of expensive latte; and so on.

Park wisely

Finding a good parking spot is also key to saving your car from scratches.

Whenever possible, avoid parking in an area with high pedestrian traffic as people walking beside your ride might unintentionally damage the paint. Things like studs on handbags, metal wristwatches, and even grocery carts might leave your vehicle with unnecessary marks.

Also, make sure to leave enough space on both your car’s doors and the ones of the vehicles parked next to you. Practice not only proper but considerate parking. Do note that the cars sitting next to yours will at some point open their doors, and if you don’t give them enough space, well…

Apply aftermarket coatings

Another way to at least minimize the scratches on your car’s exterior is to apply aftermarket coatings. Things like ceramic coating solutions, as well as automotive skins or decals, can help with reducing potential scratches as well as wear and tear on your beloved vehicle.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

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