Scratch removers: they don't go deep.(automotive scratch removers)(Product/service evaluation)

Many people would assume a product called a "scratch remover" would remove all scratches from a car's paint. But after testing seven do-it-yourself scratch removers, we found they have their limits.

All can remove very light scratches and imperfections, such as swirl marks, hazing, or oxidation. But only one, Quixx Scratch Remover, did a good job of smoothing out a scratch that's deep enough to feel if you run a fingernail across it. And even with Quixx, you have to be careful you don't make the condition worse.

The products make this distinction, but you have to know some terms to understand that.

ANATOMY OF A SCRATCH

Swirl marks are the light, often circular scratches that can result from washing or drying your car with a dirty cloth, using an overly abrasive polish, or using a drive-through car wash that hasn't been well maintained, among other causes. In addition to the scratch removers we tested, a cleaner/wax or some car polishes can be used to smooth out the marks.

Deeper, more noticeable scratches are harder to correct. Those that haven't penetrated the paint's clear-coat layer can be made less noticeable by using one of the better products in this group. Scratches that expose the primer or metal underneath, however, must be repainted. You can try using touch-up paint, but a professional is most likely to provide the best results.

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