How to fix a paint scratch on someone else's car without a shop
Minor scratches on someone else's car can force a choice between expensive professional repairs or a costly insurance claim. Fixing it yourself avoids these costs, but lacking experience makes it difficult to know the right DIY approach without making the damage worse.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Using WD-40 on a rag
- 2Using a wadding polish like Never Dull or a rubbing compound
- 3Using Meguiar's scratch x
- 4Buying a replacement mirror cap from the dealer
- 5Using wax to buff out the scratch
- 6Visiting a detailing shop for paint correction instead of filing an insurance claim
- 7Denying responsibility or walking away from the incident
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I told the owner, he told me to fix it myself or pay for a shop visit. I’m trying to fix it myself but don’t know how”source ↗
“I opened my car door and hit this tesla and that's the scratch it left. He wanted my insurance information. Idk if this is something he can put in an insurance claim. Am I fucked?”source ↗
“Put a tiny scratch on a car, but ignoring isn’t an option as it’s not my car. Any recommendations other than taking it to a shop?”source ↗