How to Remove a Car Scratch

Imagine you’re off to the grocery store to prepare for an evening meal with friends. You land a great parking spot near the entrance and head on in to purchase all the items on your shopping list. Minutes later you return to find your vehicle with an unwelcome surprise: a car scratch on your passenger door.

Unfortunately, this scenario happens all too often.

One person’s wrong move could put a lasting mark on your vehicles’ appearance. And worse, cost you money as a result. While these imperfections may vary from surface level to actual paint scratches, the damage done requires immediate attention to preserve the integrity of your car.

If you’re currently wondering, “How do I remove scratches from my car?”, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of scratches, ways to remove them, and other helpful tips to deal with this unlucky situation.

Can car scratch marks be removed?

Yes! Most small scratches are relatively easy to remove. In fact, a lot of times the extent of a scratch is just surface level. That means, it only affects the clear coating on your car and not the actual paint job. This is the best case scenario because you won’t need help from a professional. You can remove the defect yourself.

Tip: A simple way to distinguish if a car scratch is superficial or deep is to use the fingernail trick. Run your pointer finger across the scratch and see if your nail gets caught. If your nail naturally digs into the scratch, then you know it needs extra attention.

Can toothpaste remove scratches from a car?

The writers at Headlights.com love a good DIY hack, especially one that involves everyday household items. In previous blog posts, we’ve explained how easy it is to clear up foggy headlights with toothpaste. And we’re happy to share that your favorite minty solution can also even out the clear coat of your car and make pesky scratches disappearance.

Essentially, toothpaste acts as a light abrasive, which allows drivers to gently polish away any imperfections. With a little elbow grease and the right cloth, you’ll be surprised how quickly surface scratches fade away. If you plan on giving this DIY trick a try, we recommend using a toothpaste with medium or high RDA for the best results. If you choose a toothpaste with low RDA, it will take a lot of time and effort before you start to see any changes.

Watch the video below to see how a tube of Colgate makes car scratches vanish from sight. 

Which car scratch remover is best?

CNET recently compiled a list of the best car scratch removers in 2022, and we’d have to agree that Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound knocks all the others out of the park. If you’re looking for an effective and workable solution that won’t cost an arm and a leg, then this is the one to buy.

You can find Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound on Amazon for just $16 or even less when an Amazon deal take place. A little goes a long way as this powerful solution fights away defects for an optimal finish. Most times, your vehicle will look even better than it did before!

Image source: Amazon

Meguiar’s highly-rated product restores and clarifies paint color and makes your ride look brand new. It removes paint defects and even maximizes car shine for an overall great look. Over the years, we’ve tested a ton of car scratch products, but every time we are most satisfied with this brand.

Is it worth it to fix scratches on a car?

Definitely! There are several reasons why you should address car scratches before the damage gets worse. However, the value of your vehicle remains the most important. When you keep your car in good condition, its value holds up for longer. In any case, it’s worth taking the time, whether you DIY or bring it to a professional, to get rid of unwanted markings that diminish your vehicle’s appearance. Other reasons to fix scratches on your car include:

• Avoiding further damage, such as rust
• Stopping paint from fading or wrinkling over time
• Saving money on a fix before it becomes a problem

Overall, it doesn’t cost much to remedy a car scratch, especially if you opt for the DIY approach. We hope this guide helps you analyze the different options available and the best methods for getting rid of any discoloration or spots.