5 Sneaky Ways How Car Dealers Hide Scratches
Thinking about buying a used car? Knowing how dealers hide scratches can help you avoid expensive surprises. In this article, our security experts at Tracking System Direct break down the top five ways dealers disguise flaws—like using car polishes, touch-up paints, strategic mud application, clever showroom lighting, and selling cars “as is.” By understanding these tricks, you’ll be able to spot hidden issues, make a smart choice, and get the best value for your money. Dive in to protect your investment and walk away with a deal you’ll feel good about.
1. Car Polish For Scratches
Car dealers often rely on car polish to hide scratches and make vehicles look flawless. Brands like Meguiar’s, Carfidant, and Adam’s offer polishes specifically designed to cover noticeable scratches and bring the paint back to its original color. By applying the polish with a microfiber cloth, these products can smooth out imperfections, making the car look freshly painted to potential buyers.
Besides polishes, scratch and swirl removers from brands like Adam’s are also used to tackle moderate scratches. First, the scratch remover buffs out any visible marks, and then the polish adds that final shine, restoring the car’s paint and helping it look as good as new.
2. Paint
Car dealers often tend to hide and blend away the scratches through the use of paints. Light-colored paints are primarily used to blend away the scratches in a manner that they are unnoticeable by the customers. Spray paints account for an excellent choice to remove scratches on a comparatively large section of the area that needs to be covered. The way it works for car dealers is to clean up the scratched surface followed by applying fine sandpaper. Upon spraying the scratched area with the matching car color, dealers can successfully hide away any scratches or imperfections. In addition, car dealers use touch-up paints to hide or conceal scratches. Touch-up paints come with a color chart that can be used to match the original color of the car through the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. Mud Or Dirt
Sometimes, car dealers mislead customers by presenting cars that are covered in dirt or mud. The mud cleverly hides any scratches, making them practically invisible to the buyer. It’s only after the car is bought and given a proper wash that the scratches become obvious. By then, it’s too late, and many buyers are left regretting their purchase. In some cases, washing off the mud even highlights the scratches, making them look worse and leaving buyers feeling deceived by the dealership.
4. Lighting At The Car Dealership
Another effective method car dealers use is to conceal the scratches through the use of lighting techniques. Car dealerships and showrooms often have a strong lightning infrastructure, which ensures that the bright lights reflect away or conceal the scratches at the instance when the customer is inspecting to buy a used car. Lights not only conceal the scratches, they often give cars a shiner and glossy look which further encompasses the attention of the buyers.
5. Car Dealership Sells Vehicle “Cosmetically As Is”
Some car dealers choose to sell vehicles “cosmetically as-is,” without hiding any flaws. Cosmetic damage, like scratches, doesn’t affect the car’s performance or mechanics, and these dealers openly point out any visible issues before the sale. While this approach might mean selling cars at a slightly lower price compared to dealers who cover up imperfections, it builds a strong foundation of trust with buyers. For many, buying a car is a big investment—sometimes a significant part of their savings—so honesty really matters. Customers appreciate these straightforward dealers, knowing they’re putting the customer’s best interests first.
Dealer Sold Me A Scratched Car – What Can I Do?
In an unethical practice, some used car dealers sell cars with hidden cosmetic damage. FitFreak reported a case involving a 2009 Honda Fit. On a sunny day, the car’s scratches were obscured by bright sunlight. The buyer, unaware, purchased the car. Only later did the scratches become apparent. Returning to the dealer, the buyer pointed out the damage. Initially, the dealer agreed to buff out the scratches. He also promised to address any further issues. However, more scratches surfaced upon closer inspection. Returning to the dealer, the buyer faced refusal for further repairs. The dealer insisted on a full repaint, an expensive option. This raises a critical question: what should you do if a car dealership sells you a car with deep scratches
When faced with the challenge of a cosmetically damaged car sold by a deceptive dealer, immediate action is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle such a situation:
- Confront the Dealer: Return to the dealership and inform them about the damage. It’s important to give the dealer a chance to rectify the situation.
- Consider Legal Action: If the dealer denies responsibility, you may need to explore legal options. Consumer protection laws in most countries are designed to safeguard against such fraud.
- Use Polishes for Minor Scratches: If legal recourse isn’t viable, addressing the scratches yourself is an option. Products from Meguiar or Carfidant can be effective in removing visible scratches.
- DIY Scratch Removal Steps: Clean the affected area with soap and water. After drying it with a microfiber cloth, apply the polish or scratch remover.
- Apply Touch-Up Paints: For deeper scratches, touch-up paints are useful. These can be matched to your car’s color using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Such paints blend seamlessly with the original car paint, making them an effective solution for concealing scratches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Identify If A Car Dealer Has Tried To Cover Scratches On A Used Car?
Pay close attention to uneven paint surfaces, spray-painted areas, or mismatched colors. Inspect the car under different lighting conditions and always perform a thorough car wash before buying to reveal any hidden scratches.
What’s The Best Approach To Remove Light Car Scratches?
For light car scratches, use a scratch removal product available in the market, such as a rubbing compound or polishing compound. Apply it with a soft cloth in a circular motion, following the product’s instructions for the best results.
How Can I Prevent Scratches From Affecting My Car’s Resale Value?
Proactively maintain your car’s paint job by regularly washing and waxing. Fixing scratches as they occur with proper methods like touch-up paint or fine sandpaper will help preserve your car’s resale value over time.
Can Duct Tape Be Used To Hide Scratches Temporarily?
Duct tape can be a short-term solution to cover scratches, especially for cars with paint chips. However, it’s essential to remove the tape before it damages the paint further and seek a more permanent solution.
Conclusion
Upon purchasing a used or new car, it is the responsibility of customers to inspect used cars mechanically as well as cosmetically. Used cars are prone to defects, therefore customers should ensure they properly look for any cosmetic damages since in many occurrences scratches are concealed by the car dealers. The buyer should keep in mind the strategies used by dealers to conceal scratches, so they are not deceived and scammed into buying a damaged car
