Your Car Got Scratched? Don't Panic – Here's How to Fix It (Without Breaking the Bank)

Picture this: You're walking back to your car after a successful shopping trip at Carrefour in Sarit Centre, feeling good about life. Then you spot it, a nasty scratch running down your car's side like someone drew a line with a key. Your heart sinks.

"Aki, who did this to my baby?" you mutter, already calculating how much the garage will demand. But before you start budgeting for a full respray or contemplating revenge on every car in the parking lot, take a breath. 

Most scratches? You can actually fix them yourself, and for way less than what that mechanic in Industrial Area will quote you.

Here’s a breakdown by Peach Cars about car scratch repair, from the "pole sana, it's barely visible" scratches to the "wueh, this one needs prayers" deep cuts.

Understanding Car Scratches: The Good, The Bad, and The "Call Insurance"

Not all scratches are created equal, and knowing what you're dealing with determines whether you need a DIY weekend project or a professional intervention.

Clear Coat Scratches (Surface Level)

These are the shallow ones that only affect your car's clear protective layer. Run your fingernail across the scratch, if it doesn't catch, you're dealing with a clear coat scratch. Good news: these are the easiest to fix and often disappear with proper polishing.

Paint Scratches (Primer Visible)

When the scratch goes through the paint but hasn't reached the metal, you'll see a different colour underneath (usually grey or black primer). Your fingernail will definitely catch on these. They need more work, but are still very manageable.

Deep Scratches (Metal Showing)

The ugly ones. When you can see bare metal, especially on older cars where rust starts forming fast, you're looking at a more complex repair job.

DIY Scratch Repair: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start, gather these supplies:

• Scratch remover/polishing compound (available at Highridge or most supermarkets and auto shops)
• Touch-up paint (match your car's colour code, usually found in the door frame)
• Fine sandpaper (2000-3000 grit, get it from any hardware store)
• Microfiber cloths (not those rough ones your house help uses for dishes)
• Car wax (good quality, not the cheap stuff that melts in our sun)
• Masking tape
• Primer (if dealing with deep scratches)

Total cost? Around Ksh 3,000-5,000, way cheaper than a garage visit.

For Surface Scratches: The Easy Win

1. Wash the scratched area with soap and water. Any dirt or debris will make things worse when you start rubbing. Think of it like cleaning a wound before applying medicine.
2. Put a small amount on a clean microfiber cloth. Work it into the scratch using circular motions, applying moderate pressure. Don't go crazy, you're not kneading unga ya chapo.
3. Clean off the compound with a fresh cloth. The scratch should be significantly less visible or completely gone. If it's still there, repeat the process.
4. Apply a thin layer of wax to protect the newly polished surface. This step is crucial, skip it and you'll be back to square one after a few weeks.

For Paint-Deep Scratches: More Work, Better Results

1. Clean and Prep – Same drill, clean thoroughly and let it dry completely.
2. Sand Lightly (If Needed) – For raised edges around the scratch, very gently sand with 2000-grit sandpaper. Use water to keep it lubricated. Be gentle, you're smoothing, not excavating.
3. Apply Touch-Up Paint – Using a small brush or toothpick, carefully fill the scratch with matching paint. Apply thin layers rather than one thick coat. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next.
4. Sand and Polish – Once the paint is dry (give it 24-48 hours), lightly sand with 3000-grit paper to level it with the surrounding paint. Then polish as described above.
5. Wax and Protect – Don't forget this step, your repair needs protection from our harsh sun and unpredictable weather.

Common Mistakes That Make Things Worse

• Buffing Too Aggressively – More pressure doesn't equal better results. You'll end up creating more scratches or removing too much clear coat.
• Wrong Colour Match – That "close enough" touch-up paint from a random shop? It's not close enough. Get the exact colour code, or you'll have a patch that stands out like a politician's promise during campaign season.
• Skipping the Wax – Your repair is only as good as its protection. No wax means the repair degrades quickly under our sun and rain.

Prevention: Because Prevention is Better Than Cure

• Avoid tight spots where doors can hit your car. Yes, sometimes you have no choice, but when you do, pick the spot that gives you breathing room.
• If you park outside regularly, especially under trees (those falling branches are real), consider a quality car cover.
• A well-waxed car is more resistant to minor scratches and easier to clean. Aim for every 3-4 months, more if you can manage it.
• That rough sponge and dirty water combo is probably causing more scratches than you realise. Use clean water, quality soap, and proper wash mitts.

Sometimes, DIY isn't the answer. Consider professional repair when:

• The scratch covers multiple panels
• Your car is still under warranty
• The scratch is on a highly visible area, and you want perfect results
• You're dealing with metallic or pearl paint (these are tricky to match)
• You've tried DIY and made things worse

Professional repair typically costs Ksh 5,000-15,000, depending on severity and location. Expensive? Yes. But sometimes it's worth it for the peace of mind and perfect finish.

The Real Talk: Not Every Car Needs Perfect Paint

If you're driving a 15-year-old car that's seen better days, maybe that scratch adds character. Focus your energy and money on mechanical maintenance instead. A car with great brakes and a reliable engine, but a few scratches, is infinitely better than a pretty car that won't start.

But if your car is your pride and joy, or you're planning to sell soon, then yes, fix those scratches. They affect resale value more than you'd think.

Ready to Keep Your Car Looking Fresh?

Whether you're dealing with scratches, dents, or just want to upgrade to something that doesn't collect battle scars in parking lots, the right car makes all the difference.

At Peach Cars, we understand that your car is more than just transport, it's part of your story. That's why we carefully verify every vehicle, ensuring you get quality that won't leave you stressed about every little scratch.

📞 Looking for a car that can handle Nairobi life without showing every scar? Call us at +254 709 726 900

🌐 Or browse our scratch-free selection at peachcars.co.ke

Perfect paint job? Nice to have. Reliable transport? Must have.A car buying experience that doesn't scratch your nerves? Now that's what we call service.