Scratches on your car can be a real eyesore, but the good news is that repairing them doesn’t have to break the bank. In the UK, the cost of fixing scratches can vary depending on the severity of the damage, but on-the-spot repairs for minor scrapes and scratches are usually quite affordable, costing around £100 to £200 for a single panel and rarely exceeding £500.
Types of Car Scratch Repairs
There are several types of car scratch repairs available in the UK, each with its own cost range:
Light Surface Scratch Repair: £70 – £110
Paintwork Damage Scratch Repair: £120 – £180
Deep Paintwork Scratch Repair: £270 – £330
Alloy Wheel Scratch Repair: £54 – £126
The cost of the repair depends on factors such as the size and depth of the scratch, the type of paint used, and the location of the damage.
Factors Affecting Car Scratch Repair Cost
Several factors can influence the cost of car scratch repair in the UK:
Size of the scratch: Larger scratches generally cost more to repair than smaller ones.
Depth of the scratch: Deep scratches that penetrate the clear coat and reach the paint layer will cost more to fix than surface scratches.
Type of repair treatment: Some repair methods, such as SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology), are more cost-effective than others.
Quality of paint used: Higher-quality paint will cost more but may provide a better match for your car’s color.
Location of the damage: Scratches on visible areas like the front bumper or doors may cost more to repair than those on less noticeable areas.
To get an accurate estimate of the cost of repairing scratches on your car, it’s best to contact a professional car repair service and provide them with details about the extent of the damage.
DIY Scratch Repair Options
If you’re handy with a paintbrush and don’t mind putting in some elbow grease, you can try to repair minor scratches yourself using a paint pen or touch-up paint. This can be a cost-effective solution for light scratches, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and ensure a proper color match.
For more severe scratches or if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to leave the repair to the professionals. They have the tools, expertise, and materials to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting repair.