How important is your car’s exterior appearance? It’s usually apparent when you need major car body repair. At times, however, minor damages and subtle changes can cause uncertainty about whether you need cosmetic repair, like car scratch repair. The good news is that you can revitalize your car with simple car painting.
Do You Need Paint Scratch Repair?
Scratches on your vehicle may seem like trivial aesthetic flaws. However, they can also create an entry point for rust and further damage. These scratches range from light surface scuffs to deep grooves exposing the underlying metal body. If you notice such markings on your car, consider professional repair services.
You may be hoping that you don’t need car painting because the scratch only goes through the clear coat, but, unfortunately, scratches so light they only go through the clear coat are usually unnoticed. If you’re seeing a scratch, it’s almost certainly gotten down to the paint, and some auto scratch repair is in order.
How’s the Body Condition?
Dents or deformations on your car’s body indicate it may require professional repair. These damages often result from minor collisions or impacts, and while they don’t often affect the immediate handling and safety, they ruin your vehicle’s visual appeal and, thus, value. Plus, if they’re not addressed, they can eventually compromise structural integrity.
Visible dents warrant professional attention, especially those exposing the metal body beneath the paint. The only exception might be if you have an older car you’re running as a beater: in some cases, if you don’t expect to use the car for much longer anyway, the cost of body repair might not be worth it.
How’s the Paintwork Overall?
If you observe color discrepancies, patches where the paint has faded, or signs of the clear coat peeling off, your vehicle could benefit from professional car painting. Color discrepancies look awful and hurt your resale value. Plus, any of these signs could mean you need to be better at protecting your car from the weather.
Do You See Swirling?
Don’t dismiss the minor, seemingly insignificant scratches on your car’s paintwork. These are usually the result of incorrect washing and drying techniques, the use of harsh cleaning materials, or automatic car washes that use brushes. These swirls, also known as micro-scratches, may seem like minor issues, but they can degrade your car’s appearance, particularly when the car is in direct sunlight.
Observing such swirl marks on your car’s paintwork is a sign that your car may require professional cosmetic repair. In this case, a process known as paint correction or polishing can be applied. This procedure involves carefully removing a microscopic layer of clear coat, effectively smoothing out the surface and eliminating the swirl marks.
Regular inspection of the paintwork’s scratches, dents, and irregularities can help you detect potential issues early. Whatever your car’s needs, schedule an appointment with Butler Collision Center to get it back to looking and performing like new.
