ideas to improve your vehicle

Despite your best efforts, picking up a few scratches on your vehicle is likely to happen over the lifetime of the vehicle. If you recently got your first major scratch or dent, don't panic, it's not the end of the world. In fact, it may even be possible for you to take care of the problem yourself without having to go to the local auto body repair shop. If you want to keep your repair costs down, here are 3 things you should keep in mind when it comes to minor auto body damage.

Keep an Eye Out for Sap, Tar and Other Gunk

Do you typically park out on the street in front of your house or apartment? Or perhaps the employee parking at your business is out in an open lot? If so, your car is likely to pick up things like tree sap or bird feces from time to time. Even driving down the road will leave you open to getting hit by bugs or picking up tar from the road on your vehicle. When this happens, don't panic. Stash some good tar or bug remover in the glove compartment or trunk of your car and take it with you everywhere you go. As long as you remove the gunk while it's still relatively fresh, there likely will be no lasting damage to your car's body.

Touch It Up

But what to do about something hitting your car that actually leaves a visible scratch. While this can be more upsetting to deal with, fixing it is not an impossible task. Any local auto parts store should sell touch up paint in a variety of colors. Check your owner's manual for your own car's paint code and purchase accordingly. Scratches can be buffed out with soap and water or super fine sandpaper. Continue to buff the car after the paint is dry. With a little luck, your car will be looking good as new in no time.

Fender and Bumper Replacement Isn't That Difficult If You're Handy

If you need to actually remove a part of your car's body to get something fixed, it might be best to take it to a shop. The one possible exception might be for the car's bumper and/or fender. These parts can be ordered direct from the car manufacturer and are not terribly difficult to take on and off, provided you have some basic do-it-yourself skills and perhaps the assistance of a friend or family member.

No one likes seeing their vehicle pick up a few scratches, dents or other damage to the car's body. But in many cases, it may be possible to fix the problem yourself instead of having to take it into an auto body shop. Use bug or tar remover and touch up paint to keep the car looking clean. Simple fender benders are also possible to fix yourself if you can order a new part from the manufacturer. For anything more significant, contact your local auto body shop for help. Visit http://wasatchautobody.com for more information.