Imagine parking your car to buy an item in the supermarket during your holiday in the UAE and coming back to meet a dent. Heartbreaking, right? Not only can a scratch alter the vehicle’s overall appearance, but returning a rental vehicle with these anomalies can cause considerable financial loss.Â
Fortunately, not all car scratches are deep enough to make a lasting impression. However, that does not stop the car rental agency and insurance company from making the most of it and cost you significant financial losses. Therefore, it is time to swing into action and try some quick car scratch repair hacks. Let’s get started!
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Easy Fixes for Scratches on Rental Vehicles
Fixing a rental vehicle can be technical and may become too much trouble if not properly done. You do not want to damage the vehicle further or even alert the rental company that you have done anything to it. However, that does not prevent you from getting rid of scratches from minor accidents.
Though deeper damages may be out of your control, you should tell the rental company about it. As we are still dealing with minor ones, let us check out some hacks that can fix them in minutes.
- Using Toothpaste
This is a surprising but highly effective hack for removing minor vehicle scratches. The toothpaste has abrasive properties that make it useful in preventing surface-level scratches on cars. It is a simple procedure that can be completed in minutes without requiring specialized tools.
Apply some non-gel toothpaste on a damp cloth on the car. Buff the area by rubbing in a circular motion with your fingers. Ensure you do this carefully and avoid ruining other parts of the car paint. Clean the excess toothpaste with a damp cloth. Repeat this several times if the scratch remains after the first process.
- Applying Scratch Repair Pens
A scratch repair pen is a must-have for every driver. It is portable and can be stored in the vehicle’s glove compartment. The process involved in using scratch repair pens to eliminate a scratch is similar to that of toothpaste.
Start by cleaning the scratch area, ensuring no more dirt or residue. Shake the pen vigorously for about twenty to thirty seconds, ensuring its resin content is properly mixed. Discharge the resin onto a paper or another temporary surface until you see it flow properly. Press it to the scratch area when it starts flowing, discharging enough to cover it. Allow the resin to dry, and use a clean cloth to remove the excess resin when it is almost dry.
- Using Nail Polishes to Cover Scratches
Do you know that nail polish can do more than make your manicure look good? Nail polish is effective for temporarily hiding minor scratches. Although not a permanent solution, they can be a getaway from rental companies’ huge fines.
After noticing a scratch on your rental car, find a nail polish of a matching color and let us get to work. Clean the scratch area with soap and water to prevent dirt from disturbing you. Ensure the area is dry, and then gently apply enough nail polish to cover the scratch. Let it dry, and repeat the process if necessary.
- Touch-Up Paint
Touch-up painting is a more permanent and professional fix for car scratches. While you can do it yourself, you may get the help of a professional to make it neater. Ensure you check your rental terms to prevent any regulatory issues. When you are sure it is your go-to, choose the right match for the vehicle’s color.
Clean the area and apply a thin primer layer. Then, wait for it to dry and apply the touch-up paint. Allow the paint to dry completely. This might take hours or even overnight. Apply a clear coat on it after the paint dries. Polish the area to clean up excess and let the paint’s shine come to life.
Conclusion
Car scratches can be disturbing and even cause some anxiety for someone using a rental car. Not only can they cause considerable fines during the car return process, but they may even ruin the overall outlook of a person’s appearance.
As it is almost impossible to always avoid scratches, the next best thing is knowing how to fix them without sweating. From household items to more specialized ones, the options abound, and you can choose the best one.