Safely and Effectively Repair Car Dents and Scratches

If your vehicle has seen better days, you may be interested in learning how to fix a dent in a car or how to fix scratches on a car. In this guide from Basil Ford, we have provided quick and easy fixes for each issue that you can perform right at home in Buffalo or Cheektowaga. No matter if you need to know how to fix a small dent in a car or fix scratches on a car, we’ll show you how to do so safely and effectively. 

Fix Scratches on a Car

Looking to learn how to fix scratches on a car? You have come to the right place. You can perform this task right in your West Seneca or Rochester driveway. Some methods are temporary fixes, while others are permanent:

  • Candle Wax - This is one of the temporary solutions that can help protect your paint until you can have the scratch permanently fixed. Gently rub the wax over the cleaned area to seal the scratch.
  • Super Glue - Like the candle wax in the method above, super glue helps to seal the scratch temporarily. It also helps to mask a bit of the damage. 
  • Paint Polish or Rubbing Compound - We recommend starting with a less aggressive approach before working up to wet sanding if necessary. Use a light polish with a less abrasive foam pad first. Work your way up to higher-grit polishes or compounds if scratches still remain. 
  • Wet Sandpaper - Clean the area and rub over it with 2000-grit wet sandpaper. When it's difficult to see the scratch anymore, apply a rubbing compound followed by finer and finer polishes. Apply a wax or paint sealant to protect your work. It is beneficial to wax the whole car when the scratch has been repaired.
  • Touch-Up Paint: Touch-up paint can be used to hide deeper scratches.

    • Fix a Dent in a Car

    It is also possible to fix a dent at home. There are a few methods you can try:

    • Plunger - Whether it’s the plunger from your bathroom or a car dent plunger, it can be used to pop out a dent. 
    • Hammer or Mallet - Using one of these on the opposite side of the dent can help knock the spot back into place. For small dents, a hammer is best. For larger dents, it is beneficial to use a mallet. Don’t protect the side you are hammering with a towel or something equivalent to prevent additional damage. 
    • Dent Puller - This method should only be used if you are familiar with the process, as it requires drilling a hole in the dent, lacing the wire through and pulling the dent back to surface level. The hole will then have to be filled, sanded, and painted. 

      • Contact Basil Ford for More Information

      Now that you know how to fix a dent in a car and how to fix scratches on a car, you may have other questions about vehicle maintenance. We’re here to help. Contact Basil Ford for more information, or set up a service appointment with us.