Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

August, 2009

Scratches on Auto Clearcoat

Q. I have a 2008 Toyota Tundra. Recently while exploring the outback of Arizona I found myself on a rapidly narrowing dirt track, the narrowing caused by the encroachment of mesquite trees and other nasty brush. I now have a great many of what appear to be scrathes, however I cant feel them,"thumbnail" and can't rub them out, it's as if the finish is dented or deformed. Any ideas or suggestions to fix?

A. The only thing I can think of is that you have your car detailed by a car wash facility. If that doesn't do the trick and you still are interested in remediating the scratches, I suggest you take your car to a body shop and have the clearcoat sanded and a fresh coat applied.

Regards,

Ron Joseph