Do scratches affect my car’s value?

Have you ever gotten that sinking feeling when you spot a new scratch on your car? We all have. If you’re hoping to sell your ride, one of the first questions that might pop into your head is: “Will this affect my car’s value?”

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about scratches, how they impact the value of your car and what you can do to repair them.

Key Takeaways

• How different scratches affect your car’s value
• How scratches affect the value of your car
• How can I repair scratches on my car?
• FAQs

How Different Scratches Affect Your Car’s Value

The impact a scratch has on your car’s value depends on how severe the damage is. Let’s break down the main types of scratches:

Clear Coat Scratches

Clear coat scratches are minor, only affecting the outermost clear coat layer of paint. You may not even be able to feel these with your fingernails and can often be buffed out with some polish.

Paint Scratches

These scratches dig a bit deeper and get into your car’s coloured paint layer. You will definitely be able to feel these with your fingernail, and they can be a bit of an eyesore, so a professional repair might be needed here.

Metal Scratches

These are the deepest and most damaging scratches your car can get, reaching through all paint layers to the metal of your car. Not only do these hurt your car’s value but they also increase the risk of rust. For these scratches, a professional fix is a must.

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How Scratches Affect The Value Of Your Car

So now you know the different types of scratches, how do these each affect your car’s value? Well, there’s no definitive answer, as both the severity and location of the scratch play a part. Generally, though, you can expect the following:

Minor Scratches (Clear Coat)

These might reduce your car’s resale value by a small percentage, likely translating to a few hundred pounds less in your pocket.

Moderate Scratches (Paint)

Expect a slightly bigger dent in your wallet here, potentially reducing the value by a few hundred pounds.

Major Scratches (Metal)

Deeper scratches can bring the value down by a much larger amount, potentially several hundred pounds or even over £1,000, depending on how big they are and how difficult they would be to repair.

How Can I Repair Scratches On My Car?

Assessing the scratch is step one, repairing it is step two. Here’s a breakdown of DIY solutions and professional repairs to help you decide:

DIY Repairs For Minor Scratches

For those clear coat scratches that don’t reach the coloured paint, touch-up kits can be a good option. Find one that matches your car’s paint colour exactly and follow the instructions carefully, including cleaning the area and applying thin layers of paint to avoid making the scratch stand out more. It may also be possible to buff out the scratches with some polish—if you’re not sure, you can always check with your local garage.

Professional Repairs For Deeper Scratches

If the scratch cuts through the paint or reaches the metal, DIY repairs might not be the best solution. Professional services come with a few different benefits:

• Expertise: They can assess the damage and choose the best repair method.
• Colour Matching: They have specialised equipment to perfectly match your car’s paint colour, making the repair invisible.
• Warranty: Professional repairs sometimes come with a warranty for peace of mind.

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