‘How do I prevent hairline scratches on my car?’ [Newbie Guide]

Brand-new cars come with the expectation of flawlessness, which is what motivates new car owners when they see their rides gleaming under the sun. But when the light hits at just the right angle and exposes previously unseen imperfections, it’s enough to slam the brakes on that enthusiasm. 

If imagining all these on your car makes your skin crawl, read on

Hairline scratches are a common flaw on the bodywork. They’re not readily visible, at least at first glance. You’d have to be looking a little closely, whether it’s on the paint job or any one of the vehicle’s exterior chrome trims. Another problem is swirl marks, which are scratches that form a circular pattern. 

As something that you use outdoors, a car is exposed to many factors that can mar an otherwise pristine exterior finish. Apart from the elements, your vehicle is also vulnerable to being scratched by passing pedestrians or other vehicles while parked. But a usual source of hairline scratches and swirl marks is when the car is washed, whether by you or your usual car wash joint.

Hairline scratches and swirl marks are revealed when the light hits at just the right angle

The superficial damage is often caused by tiny debris such as bits of dirt that are picked up by a wash cloth in the process of cleaning the car. Using such a wash cloth either to apply soap or dry down the car after rinsing rubs the debris against the bodywork. If the wash cloth isn’t properly rinsed to get rid of the debris before being used on the car, hairline scratches and swirl marks will begin to appear on the bodywork. 

Whether you drive a muscle car or an econobox, swirl marks still ruin the look

As the damage is accidental, there are some steps you can take to avoid causing them (or adding even more), especially when washing your car.

• Be sure to hose down your car completely before you begin washing it, to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Use two separate buckets for cleaning, one with soapy water and the other with clean water. Always use the clean water bucket to rinse the wash cloth before dipping it back into soapy water. 
• Have grit guards handy to trap debris at the bottom of the bucket and prevent them from being picked up again by the cloth. 
• It also helps to lather, rinse, and wipe in a lengthwise pattern instead of a circular one when cleaning. 

Find more tips for beginner car owners at Philkotse.com.