Is it really necessary to fix a scratch in your car paint?

 So you scratched your car. We feel your pain - it's that awful sinking feeling when you realized maybe it's NOT just a little mark that can be wiped off. But it's not the end of the world; trust us - scratches in car paint are extremely common and happen to nearly everyone whether it's their fault or not. 

It is a pain, however, to have to fix them. More often than not it's not possible to get them out of your car paint at home and you have to visit a body shop (like the one here at Toyota of Orlando), which means paying for removal. So... do you really have to spring for it, or can you just leave the scratch in the car paint and pretend like you don't see it every time you get behind the wheel? 

Why do you need to fix scratches in your car paint? 

We weighed in with our body shop experts to find out and got the breakdown. Basically, yes, you do need to fix a scratch in your car paint, even if it's just a scratch. Here's why! 

Reason #1: Rust could form. When you scratch your Orlando Toyota, it can leave the metal underneath exposed. This means the elements can reach it - in particular, moisture. And we all know what happens when water meets metal... rust. And we also all know how much of a hassle (and how much it'll cost) to get rid of rust. Why risk it? Protect your investment - fix the scratch. 

Reason #2: The surrounding paint can wrinkle. Another side effect of scratches on your car is that the edges of the surrounding paint are left exposed. When moisture, sun, and other forms of wear and tear touch the edges, it can make the surrounding paint wrinkle, peel, and start to pull back from the scratch. Why create more damage when you don't have to? 

Reason #3: There may be issues you just don't see. A scratch may seem like just a scratch, but our Toyota of Orlando body shop techs that there could be damage hiding behind it that you don't even realize. Structural damage is always a possibility, as well as damage to technology in the area. It's worth having the experts take a look to see what's going on. 

Reason #4: You want to make money on it. Most people do not keep their car forever. At some point down the road, they're going to want to trade it in or sell it and hop into something new. When that point arrives, you want to get the most bang for your buck, right? Fixing scratches makes your car look better and also gives prospective buyers a vote of confidence. If they see unsightly scratches, they can easily assume that if you can't care for the exterior of your car, you likely can't care for the interior or what's under the hood, either. 

Schedule your car paint repairs at Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions? Call us! We're ready to help you with scratch repair at Toyota of Orlando. Our body shop is open and waiting at (407) 298-6006 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

What should you consider before adding a car spoiler?

 If you're looking for an easy and affordable way to customize your ride, a car spoiler is a definite possibility. And not only will it take your Orlando Toyota's appearance up a notch, but it'll also improve performance. However, before you take the plunge, there are certain things you should take into consideration. Our Toyota of Orlando body shop experts are here to help - check out their recommendations below. 

Three things to think about before adding a car spoiler to your Orlando Toyota 

#1: Do research and make sure it aesthetically fits. Something may look good on paper (or on Instagram) but what counts is how it looks in real life. Do your research and explore car spoiler options. It's always a good idea to look at similar vehicles that have the spoiler you want, and look for the spoiler type in real life, too, so you can see what it'll look like on a day-to-day basis (without all those professional angles and filters applied to it). Car spoilers are a cool customization, but they can also look ridiculous if you're not careful. 

#2: Consider your car's paint color. You also have to think about the color of your current car when buying a spoiler. If you buy something that's SUPPOSED to be a different color or a car spoiler that is primed to be painted, you should be good to go. But be careful about buying a pre-painted spoiler. Remember that colors are specific to makes and models, and you don't want to end up stuck with a spoiler that clashes against the paint color you already have. 

#3: Know that you'll have to take care of it. Car spoilers are just like any other car part - they need to be cared for. And just like any other part, they can become damaged - even strong winds can do a number on them. Just know that you're adding an item to your car care list and be prepared to follow through with it to keep your entire vehicle in the best shape possible. 

The perks of adding a car spoiler 

But don't forget, there are definite perks to adding a car spoiler. Here are two things our Toyota of Orlando body shop techs love about these unique accessories: 

#1: They actually improve performance. Car spoilers catch the wind as you drive, and in turn, they push the rear of your car down to improve handling. It's like adding power and maneuverability to your Orlando Toyota without even touching anything under the hood! 

#2: There are so many options. Car spoiler options are endless and leave you with tons of ways to customize your ride to your personal preferences. Plus, there are a ton of pricepoints to choose from AND places to order from. 

Want to add a car spoiler to your Toyota? Call Toyota of Orlando today! Our Toyota parts store is open and ready to help at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.