You are one day standing next to your car, and you absent-mindedly scratch your car, and the paint scratches off with fingernails only. Not the greatest feeling, especially if you are attached to your car. Apart from being gross and making your car look unkempt, car paint peeling off is not a problem you can ignore because:
- A little peeling, a little neglecting, and soon you’ll be regretting
- Your car’s resale value can dip because the car will look unmaintained
- Your car may become rusty and be exposed to corrosion
If your car paint scratches off with fingernails only, don’t fret. Instead, use the following expert tips to get your car shiny again. But first…
One of the most common reasons your car paint scratches off with fingernails is a poor paint job. If the paint doesn’t adhere well to the car surface during painting, it’ll peel off easily. Another culprit is cleaning products. Are you using abrasive chemicals and harsh tools to clean your car? The paint may adhere weakly to the surface if your car is exposed to harsh chemicals such as cleaning products and road salt.
Your car’s age may also be to blame. The paint may become brittle and start cracking. The peeling can be exacerbated by damage to your car, such as dents. If your car spends too much time exposed to the hot sun, storms, and snow, this, too, can make your paint scratch off easily. Onto expert tips to stop your car paint from scratching off easily.
1. What to Do Immediately
The most useful thing to do when car paint scratches off with fingernails is to seek professional services. However, you can assess the damage and DIY, especially with limited time. Later you can seek professional services. The first step you should take is damage assessment. Is the damage widespread or contained in one area? Is it deep or shallow?
If the area is minimal damage, you could get away with some DIY. To start, clean the affected area. Ensure to use clean water and a soft cloth, and soap. Since the scratch is minor, a repair kit could help you patch it in time for travel. However, if the damage is too serious, you may need to sand the affected area to remove rust and corrosion.
You can then apply a primer, which protects the metal beneath and provides a smooth surface for applying a top coat. It would be best to be careful when selecting the top coat to ensure it matches your car’s color. After applying the top coat, you can apply a finish that gives your car a neat look. However, if the scratch is not minor, you should seek professional services.
2. Seek Professional Services
The most obvious place to start seeking help if your car paint scratches off with fingernails only is professional services. There were about 239,100 auto repair shops in 2021, in the U.S., according to Statista, so you have plenty to make a pick. You can get an auto paint shop that specializes only in paint. The good thing is that you’ll get an expert who has seen similar problems, and they probably have specialized equipment.
Not everyone is a good pick when choosing a car repair business for your paint problem. Chance is your current paint problem was caused by a low-quality auto shop, so you don’t want another poor job on your car. If searching for services online, check reviews from past clients: what do they think? Ask also for referrals from real people who have used an auto shop. Did the auto shop deliver by the agreed time? Did they repair the vehicle to perfection?
When you visit an auto paint shop, the mechanic or technician will start by reviewing your car to highlight the root problem. They’ll suggest a solution and give you a quote. Some auto shops may allow prior consultation before coming to the shop, saving you time and cost.
3. Ask How to Prevent Future Scratching
If your car paint scratches off with fingernails only, your second step should be looking for ways to prevent future scratches. If you’re visiting a professional service, take advantage of your time and ask how to prevent paint from peeling. There could be many reasons for extreme weather conditions causing the scratches. Your auto mechanic would be best positioned to guide you on prevention tips.
A car paint specialist will address common misconceptions you may have about car paint, especially if they are the reason your vehicle is peeling. They’ll guide you on car parts best practices. For example, covering your car with wax can protect the paint underneath. If harsh chemicals are the culprit behind your car peeling; they’ll guide you on safe products in the market you can use for your products. Moreover, you can protect your car from extreme conditions by ensuring you have a cool parking space.
Some digitally savvy auto shops may even have a website sharing helpful tips. They may have resources such as the best car covers or where to get car detailers to get a custom look for your car. A helpful auto shop will gladly share any helpful information in the long run.
4. Determine Whether You Could File a Claim
Car insurance is mandatory in most states in the U.S., mostly to cover your car, you, and other passengers in case of an accident. But does your policy cover paint damage? A full car paint job costs $1200 to $2000 depending on the paint job, says Car Fax. What if part of this cost was covered by insurance, but you never claimed it? You can also ask an insurance specialist if car insurance should cover specific car damage to get the opinion of a third party.
You can document the damage, for example, taking a short video showing how the paint scratches off with fingernails, then sending it to your insurance agent. Also, read your policy to see what it covers. If you are convinced that your policy covers paint damage, you can file a claim requesting coverage for part or full amount for reapplying paint.
Your insurance provider usually covers the paint damage if it was caused by a motor accident. Also, if paint scratches off with fingernails on the whole car body, you could file a claim with the insurance. If you’re unsure if the damage is covered, it’s best to ask an insurance expert to guide you.
5. Look Into Other Detailing
If you visit an auto shop because of a paint problem, you could take advantage of your visit and look into other detailing such as paint protection. Modern auto shops are one-stop for most of the services your car needs. Does your car generate an awful smell? Get odor removal detailing. Could a car window tint improve privacy? Maybe it’s time to get one.
It’s probable you are busy and thus don’t have time to keep visiting auto shops, so it’d be worthwhile if you could get other services you have been meaning to get. Some people opt for interior detailing, while others go for headlight restoration. Besides, the auto shop may discount you if you buy multiple services.
Some detailing services, such as engine cleaning, can save costs, especially if you don’t get it done often enough. Of course, looking into other detailing could cost you more than you had budgeted or more time. However, you can look at the services and return when ready.
6. Get the Best of the Best Service
If you settle on getting a service for your car, ensure you get the best services. If you have an imported car, look for foreign car mechanics who work daily with vehicles like yours. Remember, if you want the best of the best services, be clear with expectations. For example, a slight miscommunication about color can leave you more frustrated after the paint job.
One of the biggest concerns you should get clear on is guarantees and warranties. For example, a paint auto shop may tell you the painting has a six months warranty. Be keen to ask, what does this mean? Are there things you could unknowingly do that could jeopardize your warranty? It’s essential to clear marketing language with facts so you don’t get disappointed after the job.
When looking for the best or the best services, rely on others who have used the service. It’s hard to manipulate customers online, so dig up the reviews you can find and get referrals from other clients who have used similar services. Whether they do BMW repairs or dent removal, ensure they have quality services.
7. Get an Extra Set of Keys
Similarly related to getting detailed services is getting an extra set of keys. While this is not directly linked to peeling paint management, you should look to get the most out of your visit to an auto shop. An extra set of keys can give you peace of mind, especially when you lose one. Car key replacement may take longer if you’re in a hurry, which could be inconvenient.
If you are consulting with your car insurance company if your policy covers paint damage, you can also ask if they cover getting an extra set of keys. It makes more financial sense to get an extra set than replace them when lost. Besides, sharing your vehicle with a loved one may be more convenient for you.
If your car uses a keyless system, a locksmith o your car dealer may help you get a duplicate. Remember to keep your key in a safe location. Only you and your loved ones can access it. Some people also opt to have a key locator in case they can’t remember where they put the extra keys.
8. Know What You Want Before Paying
Prior to your car paint scratches off with fingernails, you probably had no plans to visit an auto shop. So, you must be prudent with what services you want before paying. Before the auto shop can commence any service, have them draw up the total cost so you aren’t surprised after the work. Also, don’t hesitate to ask how they’ll deliver the service.
Many auto shops love giving guarantees and warranty statements, so be critical and ask questions. Another thing to remember is time and expectations. Not all autos are professional enough to keep time, which will show in their customer reviews. Therefore, be clear about how long you are willing to wait, the services you need, and the total cost.
While a car body service is a pretty relaxed environment, ensure to get everything in writing so that you can have a reference in case there’re emerging discrepancies in statements. In addition, while it’s advisable to take advantage of your time at the auto shop; don’t allow the service providers to pressure you into buying services for your car that you don’t need.
Overall, if your car paint scratches off with fingernails only, it signifies a deeper problem. If you have been using unconventional methods to clean your car or don’t have car protection for extreme weather, you’d know what’s causing the damage. However, it’s not always apparent.
If your car paint scratches off with fingernails only, the best thing to do is visit an auto shop. If the problem is too prevalent, they may do a whole repair job; at least you’d have peace of mind knowing that your car paint is not peeling off. Besides, you can make much of your trip to the auto shop by adding other services such as car detailing.
