WHAT IS MICRO-MARRING?
Micro-marring is caused when particles like dust and dirt are agitated or dragged across the surface of the paint. This can happen while washing and drying the car if done incorrectly or with general touching and wiping of the paint.
Over time, micro scratches, swirls and marring can build up and create a spider web effect on the surface of your car as seen in the picture. When seen in the sunlight, they are more significant than you initially think.
SCRATCH & MARRING HOT SPOTS
As we interact with our vehicle day in and day out, we tend to go into ‘auto pilot’ mode. So here are 3 common hot spots we regularly touch on our car’s paintwork without paying much attention, and cause unintentional scratches and marring in the paintwork.
BONNET/HOOD
Chances are, you lift/shut the bonnet of your car by touching the paint. Sometimes this is very obvious when you can see hand and fingers prints where the bonnet has been handled, or even a dent of where the bonnet is repeatedly pushed down on! This can move dirt particles on the surface and leave you with micro scratching.
How can this be avoided?
Some cars have an emblem on the hood of the vehicle like the one in the photo below. These can be used as a handle of sorts to prevent unnecessary paint marks.
DOOR HANDLES & DOOR PILLARS
And last but definitely not least, is opening and closing the car door with the car keys in the same hand or whilst wearing rings and bracelets. This is probably the most common mistake and most probable cause for paint scratches.
Even if the handles are painted, the marks are still likely to show on this small detailed area.
So next time you are getting into your car, have a quick look at the paintwork on your car behind the door handles. Are they scratched? It might be time to take these few suggestions on board and be a little more cautious when you touch your car.