All About Car Scratch Repairs in UAE
Car scratches are a common issue for drivers. With busy roads and weather, your car's paint can get damaged easily. This guide covers all you need to know about car scratch repairs.
What Causes Car Scratches?
Scratches happen for many reasons. Here are some common ones:
- Parking mishaps: Brushing against walls or other cars in tight spots.
- Road debris: Small stones or sand flying up from the road, especially in desert areas.
- Vandalism: Key scratches or accidental marks.
- Washing errors: Using rough cloths or automatic car washes with dirty brushes.
- Weather: UAE's hot sun can make paint fade, making scratches worse over time.
Types of Car Scratches
Here's a simple breakdown:
Type of Scratch |
Description |
How to Spot It |
|
Clear Coat Scratch |
Light marks on the top layer only. Often from washing or light rubs. |
Feels smooth; no color change. You can buff it out easily. |
|
Paint Scratch |
Goes into the color layer. Shows a different color or white mark. |
Rough to touch; color mismatch visible. |
|
Deep/Primer Scratch |
Cuts through to primer or metal. Can lead to rust if not fixed. |
Exposes gray primer or shiny metal; feels deep. |
How to Repair Car Scratches
Here's how:
DIY Methods
For light scratches:
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Use a scratch remover polish or wax. Rub in circles with a soft cloth.
- For small paint scratches, apply touch-up paint that matches your car color. Let it dry, then polish.
- Toothpaste can work for very minor marks; apply, rub, and rinse.
Always test on a small spot first. DIY kits cost AED 50-200 in UAE stores like Amazon.ae.
Professional Repairs
For deeper scratches:
- Touch-up painting: Pros match the paint exactly.
- Sanding and repainting: For big areas, they sand, paint, and clear coat.
- SMART repairs: Quick fixes without full panel repaint, popular in Dubai.
Car Scratch Repair Costs in UAE
Here's a cost table:
Scratch Type |
Average Cost (AED) |
Notes |
|
Clear Coat (Minor) |
100-400 |
DIY possible; pro touch-up in garages. |
|
Paint Scratch (Medium) |
350-800 |
Often per panel; bumper fixes around 350-600. |
|
Deep Scratch |
800-2,000+ |
May need full repaint; exotic cars cost more. |
Tips to Prevent Car Scratches in UAE
- Park in shaded spots to avoid sun damage.
- Use car covers in dusty areas.
- Wash your car weekly with microfiber cloths.
- Apply wax or ceramic coating for extra protection.
- Avoid tight parking; use apps like Parkopedia for better spots.
- Consider PPF (Paint Protection Film), it costs AED 2,000-5,000 but saves on repairs.
FAQs
How much does car scratch repair cost in Dubai?
It ranges from AED 100 for minor fixes to AED 2,000 for deep ones. Bumper scratches are often AED 350-600.
Can I fix car scratches myself?
Yes, for light clear coat scratches using polish or kits. Deeper ones need pros to avoid more damage.
How long does a professional repair take?
Minor fixes take 1-2 hours; full repaints 1-3 days.
Does insurance cover car scratches in UAE?
It depends on your policy. Comprehensive insurance might cover vandalism or accidents, but not wear and tear. Check with your provider.
Where can I find good repair shops in UAE?
Look for certified garages on Dubizzle or Reddit recommendations. Popular ones include those in Al Quoz, Dubai, or Mussafah, Abu Dhabi.
