Preventative Maintenance for NovicesPreventative Maintenance for Novices


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Preventative Maintenance for Novices

Even if you’ve never picked up a wrench before, you can learn how to maintain your own vehicle and cut your car repair expenses by doing simple repairs. How do I know? Because, with the help of some books on car repair and some online research, I learned how to do my own maintenance and minor repairs on my vehicle. I started this blog to help others learn the same skills. Here’s where you can learn which tools you need to have and what supplies to keep on hand. Find out how to locate used parts and save money where ever possible. Knowing how to do DIY car maintenance and repairs can save you a lot of money every year.

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How To Remove Small Scratches On Cars

Virtually all of us are going to someday find a scratch on our car. Fortunately, whether these scratches are caused by accidents or maliciousness, you don't necessarily have to take your car in to have these scratches repaired. If they're small enough, you may be able to do it yourself. Remember though, if you have serious damage to the body of your car, you're going to want to have a professional do it so it's done right. But with smaller scratches, you can save a bit of money using the following steps.

What You Will Need

  • Clean Cloths

  • Sandpaper

  • Spray Cans of Touchup Paint

  • Plastic

  • Masking Tape

  • Car Polish

  • Rubbing Compound

Step 1. Examine the scratch to determine how severe it is. A shallow scratch from a key can be quickly fixed. Apply a bit of rubbing compound to a clean cloth and buff the area of the scratch with this until the scratch blends into the rest of the paint job. Now apply some polish over the area to remove any haze produced by the rubbing compound. If your scratch is deeper than this, you'll have to move on to the next step.

Step 2. Use a sponge and some warm water mixed with a mild detergent to wash the scratch and the area immediately around it. This will help you remove the wax coating, which would otherwise cause any new paint to flake off. After the cleaned area has dried, use fine grain sandpaper to sand the scratched area. This will allow the new paint you apply to better adhere. Brush off any dust you produce.

Step 3. Make a note of the car's VIN (vehicle identification number). VIN's are printed on small metal plates and are located on the driver's side (usually on the dashboard). This number contains vital information about the car, including the paint that was used by the manufacturer.

Step 4. Using the VIN, purchase the right paint for your car. The best way to do this is to take this number to an auto supply store. They will be able to check their system and determine exactly the right paint you need based on the VIN.

Step 5. Cover the entire area right around the scratch with plastic. Hold the plastic in place using masking tape. Cut a small hole in the plastic over the scratch.

Step 6. Vigorously shake a spray can of touchup paint you purchased. Spray the scratched area with the paint. To avoid runs, put only a little on at a time.

Step 7. Allow the paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then remove the plastic and tape.

Contact a company like Acheson Auto Body and Service Center West for more information.