Blog Archives
DIY Car Scratch Repairs
Time takes it’s toll on 
everything, whether it be the grey in your hair, the bags wrinkles on your forehead or the scratches on your vehicle. So what do you do? Dye your hair? Get botox? Thankfully no drastic measures are needed to get your car back to showroom condition. Just a little basic maintenance can go a long way!
The following can help you deal with dents and scratches.
Chamois and wash:
These are used to get rid of the faint scratch marks that are easily removable. Wash the scratched portion with soap and water, then use a chamois to get the scratch marks off it. Eventually the light scratches will vanish after repeated scrubbing of the surface.
Scratch Remover:
Scratch remover can be used.. It is made from ingredients that are very strong. It is gentle on the paint and very harsh on the scratches. It can be applied on the scratches or the scratch marks and after that the surface of the car can be rubbed with the help of a car chamois.
Car Wax:
Car wax is also very often used for polishing vehicles and fixing scratches. Some amount of wax is applied on the scratch surface and then has to be rubbed firmly so that the scratch vanishes. Polishing the car after that will give it a very attractive look.
Sandpaper and Paint:
When there are rough edges on the paint due to scratches, sandpaper can be used to make the rough edges smooth. Once smooth the area can be painted to give it a new look removing all traces of the scratch that was there earlier.
There are a number of other methods used to remove scratches from cars, but these basic and easy to master techniques should allow you to keep your vehicle looking in top condition.
Alternatively, for a professional opinion call JOE WOODHOUSE @ SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES 0151 493 2600 OR 07802 348096 OR VISIT www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD
FOR HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996
Time to get SMART
The latest buzz word in car repairs is the acronym S.M.A.R.T . The acronym SMART stands for Small, Medium Area Repair Technique.
This amazing car repair formula is saving car owners a lot of money. According to SMART repair boys, the customers save money by repairing only damaged areas of a vehicle. There is no longer the need to repair an entire vehicle surface for a scratch on the bumper or a dent on the door panel.
All vehicles experience the need for repairs somewhere down the line, and dents and scratches can damage more than the exterior of the vehicle. There can be considerable damage done to the monetary value of the vehicle as well. For this reason, it is highly advisable that car repairs be completed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage from occurring.
FOR HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996 CALL JOE 07802348096 OR 0151 4932600 OR VISIT www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LTD, 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD
How to avoid buying a lemon
Many people watch out 
for local car deals that they find in the newspaper classified ads section, then go out and spend a small fortune without carrying out even the most basic of checks. It is very important to have some technical knowledge about cars before buying a used (or new!) car. This article will give you some of the most important things to look for before you decide to spend your hard earned cash on a piece of junk.
Key considerations
- Take a good look at the vehicle exterior and look for any tell-tale signs of damaged paint or deeply embedded scratches. If the paint is new, ask when the car was painted last. Pay close attention and beware of ‘fixer uppers’. This practice often distracts used car buyers from larger problems such as underlying rust that will rear it’s ugly head in the near future.
- Check the back of the vehicle and bumper. Look at the wheel wells for signs of rust, dents or body filler, then search the rest of the vehicle for rust. Most importantly always remember to scan the underside of the vehicle for any hidden problems. Also look for dimples, dents, or scuffs in the paint job.
- Inspect both sides of the car including beneath the vehicle for any signs of more major body repair. Look for inconsistencies. For example check to see that edges of the hood and door panels line up correctly with the bumpers and other side panels. Check the frames are precisely aligned. Such inconsistencies may be clues to previous wrecks that can cost you big in repairs bills down the road.
- Inspect all the tyres of the vehicle. Look for signs of irregular wear and tear like feathering, cupping, one edge wearing, center or both edges worn down. Also make sure that the wheels are not pointed inward which may indicate an alignment problem. Check to see if the vehicle is at the manufacturers recommended tyre pressure levels to ensure safety driving.
- Open the door, check the interior for tears in upholstery, sun damage and general appearance. Make sure that all important things that you will need while driving work properly, e.g. headlights, sidelights, signals, rear brake lights, reverse lights, hazard warning lights, etc. Also check the basic car amenities like the radio, air conditioner, heater, windscreen wipers, odometer, fuel guage, and the interior lights.
- Possibly the most important thing you should check, but one which many people ignore completely. Check under the bonnet. Look at the engine’s overall cleanliness. Look for signs of wear and tear on components. Make sure that the battery cables and connectors are not worn down and the battery itself is in good running condition. Inspect the engine for any signs of leaking oil around the valve cover and head gasket. Check all attached holes for signs of busting and wear and tear. Inspect underneath the vehicle to see is there any rusted out holes in the exhaust pipe manifold and muffler.
- Check the oil (make sure the engine is cool). The oil level should be in between the two level marks. If you find it below the bottom level mark then this could indicate an oil leak, or the engine is in a critical need for oil. Also look to see whether it’s been changed recently by looking for a smooth texture and yellow-brown colour. You will definitely know that the vehicle needs an maintenance oil change if the oil comes out looking burnt dark black. Then place your hands on the dipstick and rub it against your thumb. If you feel small particles in the oil the engine may be worn or damaged causing you costly repair problems.
- Next test the car transmission for slippage. Set the handbrake, depress the clutch pedal and shift through the gears to see if they easy fall in place while shifting. Also listen for any grinding sounds that may be coming from the transmission.
- Start up the engine. It should practically start up immediately. Listen closely for accurate start up ability and listen out for any sound of engine knocking or any other irregularities sounds that you do not normally hear when starting up a car. Be sure to ask questions about any sounds you are not familiar with to the car salesman. Also check to see that there or not any engine indicator lights that comes on after starting up the engine.
- Take the car for a test drive. Check the brakes in normal driving traffic conditions. They shouldn’t squeal and should bring the car to a stop in a sufficiently short distance. Make sure you do not have to press the brake pedal all the way down to come at a complete stop. This is a good sign that the vehicle may have worn down brakes pads or even a serious brake problem.
One Golden Rule: is to ask to see a record of the vehicle maintenance and car report. Look to see that the car had regular oil changes and checkups (maintenance schedules will vary by model etc.). Also, inquire about additional work that may have been done on the vehicle and ask to see receipts.
FOR ANY CAR BODY REPAIRS, CAR DENT REPAIRS, ALLOY WHEEL REPAIRS, CAR BUMPER REPAIRS CALL JOE FOR ADVICE & QUOTATION ON 07802348096 OR 0151 4932600 OR VISIT www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LTD 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD
ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
FOR HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996
Car scratch repair
Frustrating as 
they may be, no matter how careful you are when it comes to your car scratches are largely unavoidable. However, when it comes to car abrasions, there are so many things you can do. There are various car scratch repair options that you can choose from.
Provided the graze is not too deep then using a touch up paint can readily eliminate the scratch. If there are deep scratches it is best to contact a car body repair shop and let the experts do the job for you. Using their specialist knowledge they will skilfully apply paint to conceal all the scratches and make them disappear completely. Advanced colour blending techniques ensure the right colour for your car and make it look as if there are no scratches at all.
With an expert car body repair shop you can rest assured that all your car needs will be taken care of. You do not have to wait for weeks and months before repairing your vehicle. You will be glad to see your car looking as good as new again. Scuffs N Scratches are experts in the car repair industry and guarantee total customer satisfaction. Additionally, they offer a variety of other services that you might need in the future such as dent repairs, bumper repairs, alloy wheel repairs, interior upholstery repairs (including leather), and windscreen repairs.
For all your car repair needs, contact Scuffs N Scratches.
0151 493 2600 or 07802 348096 or visit www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LTD – 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD
HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996
How Do You Remove Spray Paint From Your Car?
Finding your car vandalized
with a can of spray pain is one sure way to put a damper on your day. This is specially true if, like any proud car owner, you take pains to maintain its appearance. More so if the car that happens to have been victimized is your weekend toy or project car.
Depending on the toughness of your car’s paint (urethane paint is extremely hardy), the amount of paint that has been sprayed on and where, and the time the spray paint has been left on your car’s paint, the time you will need to restore your car’s finish will take from an hour or so to up to half a day. If you have discovered the vandalism pretty early, the spray paint may still be drying and a wash and soap job may be all you need to solve your problem quickly.
If this is not the case, there are many solvents or materials that can be used. If the car’s finish is a bit sensitive or the spray paint has been left to dry for some time, extra care must be taken to make sure that you don’t take off your car’s paint too. Various chemicals like WD-40, nail polish remover, acetone, rubbing compound, gasoline or spray-on brake parts cleaner can all be used. For car show type paint jobs or finishes, Meguiar’s Clay is oftentimes used to make sure that only the spray paint is taken off. However, use of this specialty product is best left to the hands of experts who are familiar with its use. Fine rubbing compound can also be used but, again, care must be exercised as this is an abrasive compound that can take off the car’s paint if used improperly.
Remember that all cars have clear coats to protect the actual paint and the chemicals that were mentioned can remove all but the most stubborn or thickly laid-on spray paint. The basic method is to apply a small amount of the compound of your choice (say, acetone) on a clean rag and use a rubbing motion to try to remove the paint. If it is working, the rag will begin to show signs of the color of the spray paint that was used. If your car’s paint color starts rubbing off on the rag, this is a clear indicator that you have gone through your car’s top coat and are already taking off the car’s paint.
If the spray paint is thick in a certain place, try using a plastic scraper to remove the stubborn paint and then use the chemical solution of your choice to remove the rest of the paint. If the spray paint has gotten to the window or windshield glass, acetone would be one of the best chemicals to use and you will be able to remove the paint from the glass easily.
Take care not to use acetone on moulding or rubber seals that have been spray painted as this will soften the rubber which might destroy it prematurely. Strong soap used with a stiff-bristled plastic brush would be a better choice in this case.
The finishing touch after all that work would be to wash your car, or at least the affected area, using car soap liberally on the area you have worked on. Take the car to a body shop to see if you need to have the affected area sprayed with clear coat to protect the underlying paint. By doing the hard work of removing the paint yourself, you will have saved yourself some considerable expense, instead of having the entire job worked on by the body shop.
For more help & advice on this, call Joe on 0151 4932600 or 07802348096 or visit www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LTD 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD
EXPERT CAR BODY REPAIRS, CAR DENT REPAIRS, ALLOY WHEEL REPAIRS & CAR BUMPER REPAIRS IN LIVERPOOL
FOR HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996
Should I visit my dealership for car body repairs?
Many car dealerships will 
have a body shop but they are not part of the factory trained service technician group. They are just like other body shop out there. They are perfectly capable of carrying out any work needed, but beware – there is a cost!
For a major repair, the canny customer we get a few estimates then ask a couple of questions to help decide which repair shop should carry out the work. Two key questions to ask are:
- How long is the warranty?
- Does my insurance cover work carried out here?
Possibly the most important thing to remember is that most dealerships tend to use car body repair shops instead of their own staff as it tends to be easier (and cheaper) for them to have the car taken away. In essence, by taking your car to the dealership you are actually getting the job done by the repair shop up the road and paying a premium to the dealership as a ‘handling fee’.
Why not cut out the middle man and contact the Liverpool’s leading auto-body repair shop direct? At Scuffs N Scratches we have over 15 years experience carrying out repair work for Jaguar, Audi, BMW, Vauxhall, Ford and Toyota. Save yourself some money and call us today.
FOR A FREE QUOTATION, CALL JOE ON 0151 493 2600 OR 07802 348096
Protect your car from rust
Oh we do like to be beside
the seaside., oh we do like to be beside the sea… unless you want to protect your vehicle, that is. Salt is an extremely damaging substance to vehicles and a major cause of rust, so if you live somewhere near the sea then you’re more susceptible to rust damage. Similarly, during the winter the salt used to melt ice and snow has the same effect.
Small rusting which has not penetrated the whole panel but is to be found only on the surface can normally be dealt with at home. Just vigorously rub sandpaper about it and then coat it with epoxy primer. Epoxy has long been identified to have anti-corrosive properties. In fact, epoxy coating has been employed to avoid timber rot in boats. However, the more severe the rust problem the more likely you will need some professional help.
Despite advances made in technologies to produce corrosion resistant resources and undercoats, far more money is spent on rust management than collision fixes. It is vital to go to the correct car body repair shop so that the car bodywork repairs carried out have a professional stamp.
Call Joe Woodhouse for a free quotation on 0151 493 2600 or 07802 348096 or visit www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LTD 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD
FOR HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996
Car repair tips for Car body rust
Moisture + oxygen + metal = rust.
Rust is an unavoidable hazard of car ownership, but unless you are a qualified body repair mechanic trying to fix it yourself can result in a spot on your vehicle that looks even worse than the rust itself. Few of us have the materials, tools, spray painting equipment or talent needed to do a professional looking job.
Any spot of rust that you encounter on your vehicle should not be ignored, and it will only get worse with time. By fixing the problem when it is small, it is not only a much easier job, it is less expensive.
Buy now or pay later
When it comes to rust damage then prevention is better than cure. Spray coatings that help to prevent rust in the first place are a sound investment, and can protect your vehicle (and your wallet) from further damage for many years.By having this car body repair done in the early days wil save you money in the long run.
CALL US FOR QUOTATION ON 07802348096 or 0151 4932600 or visit www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996
Car scratch DIY
Does your car have scuffs
& scratches within the paint or car paint blemishes you’d wish to do away with without going with the expense and hassle of managing an entire body paint shop?
The car scratches become more and more annoying to you ever before due to the fact you initially observed them? Car paint fix is simply not difficult and time consuming after you get sound details and commit on your own to subsequent a couple of easy-to- have an understanding of instructions. A huge number of motor vehicle owners have found this mega-money-saving reality, and now have professional shopping paint work they’ve finished efficiently themselves.
Small paint scratches and imperfections can easily be repaired by car owners who’re ready to take the point in time to perform the work appropriate and carefully progress with the necessary methods for specialist motor vehicle paint repair.
The primary factor to comprehend is that touch up paint presented by car dealers is just not the best resolution for your challenge in case the scratch you’re wanting to fix is obvious from a distance.
Should you check out an car dealer complaining in relation to small scratches and dings you can see at a distance of six feet or even more away from the car, they will certainly desire to sell you touch up paint instantly, promising it can be all you should repair the scratch. Never fall for this sales pitch, since touch up paint certainly not blends perfectly together with your car’s paint and will certainly only design yet another possibly, even worst eyesore. Basically, you will only be changing a scratch on the car’s paint surface with an uneven blob or gob of paint that will certainly be just as annoying because the scratch was. Touch up paint is only helpful for quite little nicks and scratches and almost nothing a lot more.
To repair scratches and nicks as part of your car’s paint, you initially will need to cautiously sand the scratch down, employing 240-grit sandpaper, in the beginning, then heading to 320-grit sandpaper, doing work gradually to assure you’re making an even and easy surface in which the scratch utilised for being. Deeper scratches should be sanded with 800-grit moist and dry sandpaper.
If you are happy the surface is sufficiently flattened and smoothed, clear the region to become painted thoroughly, getting rid of all dust, debris, sand, and many others., after which evenly apply the primer. Last but not least, you will following apply 3 coats of colour through the primed spot, and end up the paint repair position by applying a coat of distinct coat.
Be specific to permit plenty of period for each coat to dry completely, fifteen minutes or so, prior to applying another coat. And do not attempt your vehicle paint repair task if the temperature is beneath 55 degrees, or else you will get inferior final results.
The above advice is for minor scratches but for really deep scratches it would be a good advice to go to a Car Paint Restorer such as Scuffs ‘N’ Scratches in Liverpool about the severity of your car’s paint scratches in advance of starting your task otherwise it may be a wasted effort. They will be happy to advise and even give you a price to see if it is worth your time and effort. They also carry out car body repairs, car dent repairs, alloy wheel repairs, car bumper repairs and they will be happy help with any of these repairs.
Call Joe – Scuffs ‘N’ Scratches Ltd, 60-61 Love Lane, Liverpool, L3 7DD
0151 493 2600 or 07802 348096 or visit www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
Honest, reliable and professional service since 1996
Classic car repairs
Classic cars are delicate 
things and need to be handled with care. If you are the proud owner of a classic car or a vintage car, you know that it needs to be cared for tenderly. And there is nothing more heartbreaking than to find a vandal or careless driver has inflicted scratches on it. So getting car scratch repairs done on it becomes imperative. Whether the requirement is for car bodywork repairs or car scratch repairs, it is best when one can get car mobile bodywork repairs done. Then one does not need to let one’s beloved car go out of sight.
There are companies which offer car mobile bodywork repairs and do their work very efficiently. It could be respraying the body to remove unsightly scratches or restoring the bodywork of a classic car – everything can be done at your convenience and at the site of your choice. Just look up the yellow pages of the local telephone directory or do an online search for a company offering car mobile bodywork repairs which is located near you.
Keep in mind, however, that car bodywork repairs are not the same as normal mechanical repairs performed on a car. Those who offer car bodywork repairs do not perform mechanical repairs or engine repairs normally. They might replace car tyres or windscreens, attend to dings and bangs with car panel beating and take care of insurance issues related to post-crash repairs on the body.
Their technicians will repair a wide range of bodywork damage including dents, scuffs, scratches, chips, dings, cracks and splits. Their car bodywork repairs extend to all areas of vehicle bodywork including wings, doors, wing mirrors, bumpers, boots, grills, spoilers, valances, sills, body kits, alloy wheels and wheel trims. So if that beloved car of yours – classic or exotic or modern – is looking a little worse for wear, don’t worry. Get in touch with those who offer car bodywork repairs or car scratch repairs and leave the rest in their expert hands to have your car looking like new again.
SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LIVERPOOL offers dent and scratch repair, car bodywork repairs and alloy wheel repairs services in and around Merseyside & Liverpool.
CALL JOE: 0151 493 2600 OR 07802348096 OR VISIT www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk
SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LTD 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD
HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996
CPR Car Body Liverpool 