How To Fix Scratches On Chevrolet Equinox?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: September 27, 2023

No matter how diligently a driver treats their Chevrolet Equinox, showing it love and care, regrettably, no vehicle is immune to minor mishaps.

Over time, chips and scratches may inevitably appear on the Equinox. Indeed, every scratch not only tarnishes the car’s overall appearance, making it more susceptible to potential rust, but also truly distresses the vehicle's owner.

Scratches do more than merely distort the car's aesthetic; they can also lead to more serious problems. If a scratch is deep, over time, elements like water and debris will start to infiltrate, causing metal corrosion, which can be quite challenging to rectify.

Therefore, spotting a scratch on the body of your Equinox calls for immediate action to avoid facing more severe consequences down the road.

Key Takeaways:

• Scratches on the Chevrolet Equinox can escalate to more serious issues like metal corrosion if not addressed promptly.
• Common causes of scratches include road accidents, small debris, improper washing, and vandalism.
• The depth of a scratch influences the repair method, ranging from simple polishing to comprehensive repainting of the vehicle's body.
• Paying proper attention to detail, utilizing the right tools, and adhering to recommended procedures are essential for effectively repairing scratches and maintaining the Chevrolet Equinox's aesthetic.

What Can Cause Scratches on the Chevrolet Equinox?

Protecting your cherished vehicle from every harm is a tall order. The only foolproof way to guard the Chevrolet Equinox against scratches is to keep it garaged and never take it for a spin, which is hardly practical.

Understanding the most common causes of scratches on a Chevrolet allows you to sidestep similar situations and shield your vehicle from undesired marks.

Violation of Operating Conditions

If you navigate your Chevrolet Equinox through rough and uneven terrains it wasn’t designed for, expect body paint damage such as scratches and chips from road debris.

Road Accident

Any accident is distressing. Even minor collisions with other vehicles or objects can cause substantial damage to the body paint, resulting in scratches, dents, and chipped paint, necessitating serious repairs to regain the vehicle's pristine appearance.

Small Debris

Driving, especially trailing another car, exposes your Equinox to small stones or road debris from other vehicles’ wheels, leading to visible chips and scratches on the paintwork.

Accidental Impacts

Incidents not related to driving, such as brushing the vehicle’s body with a shopping bag, can cause minor scratches on the Chevrolet Equinox’s body paint.

Improper Washing

Unsuitable washing methods for the Equinox, like using abrasive sponges or brushes, can inflict swirls and scratches in the paint. Employ gentle cleaning techniques and appropriate detailing tools to prevent this type of damage.

Vandalism

Intentional acts of vandalism like key scratching or graffiti can extensively damage the vehicle's body paint. Such incidents necessitate a professional approach to restore the Chevrolet Equinox’s original look, often being a costly affair depending on the extent of damage.

How to Fix Scratches on Chevrolet Equinox?

Upon noticing a scratch on your Equinox, it’s time to swing into action. Start with a thorough visual inspection to assess the extent of the damage:

How deep is the scratch? The depth will determine the suitable method for removing the scratch.

Typically, scratches can be categorized into 3 types:

• Shallow scratches (damage to the clear coat without reaching the paint layer);
• Medium scratches (the paint layer is affected);
• Deep scratches (the scratch exposes the metal layer).

Shallow Scratches

Most often, such scratches appear accidentally: you might brush against your Chevrolet Equinox with a shopping bag or nick the paint near the door handle with your nails.

Run your finger over this scratch. If it's shallow, you won't feel it to the touch.

In this case, a good polish might just do the trick and make it disappear.

The process of polishing is quite straightforward if you follow these steps:

• Give your Chevrolet Equinox a good wash - this way, you’ll get rid of any dirt and prep the body for applying polish. A guide to washing your vehicle properly can be found here;
• Pick a polishing product - Stick with a reputable manufacturer with stellar reviews. Don't shy away from seeking expert advice on this;
• Apply some polish on a cloth or polishing disc - this assists in dealing with the scratch effectively, especially in those tricky areas;
• Start massaging the polish into the Chevrolet Equinox, slowly, in a circular motion: allowing the polish to fill the scratches gradually.
• Persist with the polish until the scratch vanishes. Once done, clean off the remaining polish with a cloth.

If polishing doesn’t cut it, but you're confident that the scratch is minor, consider a specialized scratch remover and apply it using the same principle. It tends to have a better effect.

Medium Scratches

Medium scratches are a tougher nut to crack since they dig deeper and affect the paint layer.

These unwelcome surprises can occur if a stone flies off a passing car, or you brush against a fence when exiting a parking space. But don’t hit the panic button just yet; we’ve got your back.

You might consider using a special car varnish to paint over the affected area. This product boasts waterproof and moisturizing properties, ensuring a glossy yet durable finish for your Chevrolet Equinox. Apply it in several layers to the scratch.

Although varnish can mask the defect, the effectiveness is determined by the depth of the scratch.

Employ a Touch-Up Paint Pen - a compact yet effective tool for painting small areas without the need for a complete repaint.

Remember: The pen contains the same automotive paint used in full car painting, just in a more convenient format.

Thus, it's pivotal to match the paint color with your Chevrolet Equinox, or else such a repair could attract more attention to itself than the scratch due to the color discrepancy.

Find the right color using the paint code of your Chevrolet Equinox, typically located in the vehicle’s manual.

How to use such a pen?

• Start by assessing the damage: How deep is the scratch? Has it reached the metal?;
• Give your Chevrolet Equinox a thorough wash to remove any dirt and contaminants from the body paint;
• Prep the surface you’ll be working on;
• If the scratch is minor, simply clean it, remove the debris, and degrease the working surface;
• Paint over the scratch with the pen, using it like a brush. Patience is key here, take your time and be meticulous;
• If the scratch has reached the metal or signs of corrosion are visible, thoroughly clean the affected area. Sand it down to the metal, treat with a rust converter, apply a primer, and only then paint with the pen.

With a bit of elbow grease and patience, your Chevrolet Equinox will be looking as good as new!

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Deep Scratches

Oh, deep scratches! Nobody likes them, right? They're the most undesirable damage your Chevrolet Equinox can face. This might occur if you have a bit of a mishap or bump into something solid.

When this happens, you might need a total repaint of the Equinox's body. The extent of the job depends on the severity of the scratches. It could range from touching up a small section to giving the whole car a new coat of paint!

Remember! Repainting a car isn’t a walk in the park! It requires knowledge and skill, and there’s a risk of causing more damage if not done correctly.

Improper Chevrolet Equinox painting may lead to issues such as:

• Variations in paint shade due to mismatched colors;
• Smudges or droplets of paint appearing on the body;
• Cracks developing and paint fading over time;
• Corrosion under the paint due to improper application.

So, if you’re not confident in your abilities, it might be best to leave it to the professionals! They’ll do it right, and you’ll have peace of mind.

But if you’re feeling handy and decide to take on repainting the Chevrolet Equinox yourself, here’s a step-by-step guide!

Choose the Paint

Selecting the right paint is crucial! Ensure it matches your Equinox’s specific color code for a flawless finish.

Decide the Application Method

Depending on the size of the job and your preferences, you can opt for smaller touch-ups or use a paint sprayer for a broader application. The precision will depend on your chosen method.

Think About Protective Equipment

Don’t forget to protect yourself from any nasty chemicals! Wear a mask, goggles, gloves, and closed clothing to keep safe during the painting process.

Prepare Chevrolet Equinox

Give your Equinox a good wash before starting, even if you’re only fixing a specific area. A clean surface is key for better paint adhesion and results!

Use Masking Tape

Use masking tape to protect the areas you aren’t painting. This will prevent overspray and keep the surrounding paint intact.

Prepare the Chevrolet Equinox’s Body Surface

Get your sandpaper and gently sand the damaged area down to the metal. This ensures proper paint adhesion and a smooth finish!

Use Rust Converter

Apply a rust converter to prevent corrosion. This extra step helps keep rust at bay and secures your repair work.

Apply Primer to the Equinox’s Body

Once the area is ready, apply a primer and let it set. This will help the paint stick and last longer.

Apply the Paint

Spray the prepared area with paint, allowing for drying time between coats. Several thin layers often result in a smoother and more even finish than a single thick one!

Clear Coat Protection

Once the paint is dry, apply a clear coat for added protection and a glossy finish that will have your Chevrolet Equinox looking as good as new!

Conclusion

Even though scratches are almost inevitable, especially for a Chevrolet Equinox owner, they can be fixed!

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored various techniques and methods to bring back the charm of your Equinox. From minor touch-ups to more involved processes like sanding and repainting, the possibilities are endless!

Fixing scratches might take some time and patience, but the satisfaction of seeing your Chevrolet Equinox shine again is well worth it! Whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a novice looking for tips, knowing how to repair scratches is a handy skill that can save you both time and money!