How to Rate a Car Body for Scratches

Introduction

Scratches are a common occurrence on car bodies, and they can range in severity from minor to major. If you’re planning to sell your car or have it repaired, it’s important to know how to rate the severity of scratches so that you can get a fair price or estimate.

Types of Scratches

There are three main types of scratches:

• Clear coat scratches are the most minor type of scratch. They only affect the clear coat layer of the paint, and they can usually be buffed out.
• Base coat scratches are deeper than clear coat scratches. They penetrate the base coat layer of the paint, and they may require repainting to fix.
• Primer scratches are the most severe type of scratch. They penetrate the primer layer of the paint, and they will always require repainting to fix.

Rating Scratches

The severity of a scratch is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least severe and 10 being the most severe.

• 1-2: Minor clear coat scratches that can be buffed out.
• 3-4: Moderate clear coat scratches that may require polishing.
• 5-6: Deep clear coat scratches that may require repainting.
• 7-8: Minor base coat scratches that may require repainting.
• 9-10: Major base coat scratches that will require repainting.

Assessing the Severity of Scratches

There are a few factors to consider when assessing the severity of scratches:

• The depth of the scratch is the most important factor. Deeper scratches are more severe than shallower scratches.
• The length of the scratch is also important. Longer scratches are more noticeable than shorter scratches.
• The location of the scratch can also affect its severity. Scratches on visible areas of the car, such as the hood or doors, are more severe than scratches on less visible areas, such as the undercarriage.

Tips for Rating Scratches

Here are a few tips for rating scratches:

• Use a flashlight to help you see the scratches more clearly.
• Run your fingernail over the scratch to feel its depth.
• Compare the scratch to a known reference, such as a coin or a credit card.

Conclusion

Rating car body scratches is a simple but important skill that can help you get a fair price for your car or have it repaired properly. By following the tips in this article, you can accurately assess the severity of scratches and make informed decisions about your next steps.