Why Fixing Scratches in Your Car's Paint Is Important 

A scratch on your car's exterior may seem like a minor and fairly innocuous issue, but even small scratches need fixing. Here is why you promptly repair any scratch on your car's paint or topcoat.

Take Pride in the Vehicle You Drive

First, you should get rid of scratches in your car's paint merely because this is a matter of personal pride. Vehicle ownership comes with responsibility, and part of that responsibility includes making sure the car looks decent. 

If your car is so scratched up that you are embarrassed to drive it, you ought to address the aesthetic issues. Remove the scratches so that you can feel confident driving the vehicle.

Make a Good First Impression

Second, your car sometimes has a tremendous impact on the first impression that you make. When you meet people in person, they may see your car well before they see you — and, often, many people will draw conclusions based on what they see in your car. Even if these conclusions are not entirely true, they can be difficult to overcome at the start of a new relationship.

When you have a scratch-free car, you can be sure that your first impressions are strong ones. Whether you meet a client for the first time, drive to see a future landlord, or go out on an initial date, your car will help you start off right in each of these situations.

Preserve the Value of Your Vehicle

Third, eliminate scratches so that they are not noticeable in order to preserve the value of your vehicle. Body damage decreases the value of a vehicle, and even a relatively small scratch can have a significant effect on what you are able to trade in or sell your car for. 

In addition to their impact on your vehicle's overall value, visible scratches will also often make your vehicle harder to sell because it will not look as good in pictures. 

When people first search for a vehicle to buy, they usually begin online where pictures are immensely important. You can only show off the mechanical condition after they come for a test drive. Until then, you have to rely on the pictures you take to convince potential buyers to come for a test drive.

If you are unsure whether a particular scratch needs repair before listing your car for sale, you can use a general 10-foot rule. If a scratch is visible from 10 feet away, it will be noticeable and needs repairing.

Protect the Body From Corrosion

Fourth, scratches need fixing no matter how small or large they are if you expect to have your car for a long time. Even nearly imperceptible scratches in your vehicle's topcoat, which goes over the paint itself, can let water in. Over time, any water that reaches the body panels of the car can cause corrosion.

If corrosion does develop, you will have multiple issues as a result. Your car will not look as good and will be worth less. The rust also could also expand enough to compromise some of the vehicle's safety.

Check for Hidden Damage to the Body

Finally, have a professional body shop check all scratches in case hidden damage exists that is not immediately noticeable to the untrained eye. 

Occasionally, the bump that results in a small scratch can actually compromise the integrity of a bumper or other part. A professional technician can inspect the area near a scratch to make sure all parts are in safe working order.

To remove scratches in your car's paint, contact the technicians at  Olson's Auto Body . We look forward to making your car look like new.