Well, the bad thing about new cars is that at some point you get a ding or scratch etc. It took only 10 days and my 2010 Prius got a mark in the door, I actually saw it happen. The person parked next to me opened her car door into my driver’s door (why can’t folks pay attention?.... but that’s a different topic) and it left a paint mark about the size of a quarter right next to the driver door handle. Lucky for me it didn’t dent the car and I was able to remove most of the white paint from my black car with my fingernail. But a small subtle mark remains, not quite a scratch, looks more like a discoloration. I imagine it can be buffed out, but I haven’t done this before. Any advice for what tools, creams or solutions, etc I could use to remove the mark? Thanks!!
If it looks like it might be some paint residue from the other car, a claybar might work, or something like GooGone might work if you don't have a clay bar. Or it might be the clearcoat got damaged, in which case a fine polish might work. If too deeply damaged you might need to take it to a body shop and see if they can buff it out. I got a small, but fairly deep, mark on a previous car (clear coat damage) and I paid $20 for a body shop to wet sand & buff it out--took all of 2 minutes. If you could post a pic it would help better diagnose the issue.
I've used "Goof-off",a hydrocarbon solvent to remove household paint from cars. Maybe it will work on automotive paint as well.
Getting the paint off is one step. Reducing the appearance of any underlying scratch is the other. Scratch-X will do both.
I've had mine for almost three months now, and just discovered a deep scratch high up on the passengers side door. Left red paint and scratched off classic silver paint. Do you think touch up paint would work. It's not large, but is butt ugly. Must of happened yesterday, at the grocery. My poor car has it's first boo boo...
Ouch... paint scratches can be quite painful, esp on a new car. sorry about your prius! I'd suggest buy the paint from an online retailer (unless you're filing an insurance claim of course lol) shop around!
I picked up my 2010 Prius from the dealer in Maryland at 9:00 PM and drove 2 hours to get home in Virginia. The next morning I drove to the grocery store and when I came out I was shocked to find a dent the size of a quarter and scratches in the door. I was not a happy camper. My insurance agent recommended I call a guy who only fixes dents and scratches. The guy came to my house, looked at the door, and suggested I go have a beer on the deck while he worked on the door. Exactly 20 minutes later he came to get me and explained if I can pinpoint the dent/scratch on on the car then the repair was free - if not, then the charge was $75 and a beer on the deck. I spent 5 minutes looking at the area from every angle and was amazed - both dent and scratch had disappeared. Over the beer the guy showed me the tools he used - a few special dent removal tools, Crest tooth whitening toothpaste on his finger, and a soft cloth with vinegar. I called my agent who came out to the house, wrote up the paperwork, and handed me a check for $78 . . . $75 for the repair and $2 for his beer. So it all worked out in the end. Cheers!
