Avoid paying £100s on car scratch repairs by using two kitchen cupboard items

Discovering a scratch on your car can be incredibly frustrating, especially when professional repairs can cost £100s. But what if there was a simple fix hiding in your kitchen? Car repair experts at Bumper suggest that using white vinegar and aluminium foil might diminish those pesky surface-level scratches without breaking the bank.

Bumper's specialists describe this 'easy' home remedy as a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of light scratches for mere pennies. "First, clean the scratched area with mild soap and water to remove any dirt, rinse with water, then dry with a clean cloth or towel," one of their representatives advised.

"Cut a piece of foil large enough to cover the scratched area and dip it into the white vinegar," they continued. "You'll want the foil to be soaked but not dripping."

The next step is to gently rub the foil over the scratch using small, circular motions, reports Devon Live. The science behind this method is that the acidic vinegar releases aluminium ions, while the foil acts as a gentle abrasive.

"This is enough to buff out a surface-level scratch," they elaborated. "But it's not strong enough to do any damage to the surrounding paintwork, as long as you're gentle."

The acidity of vinegar, combined with aluminium foil's mild abrasive properties, can successfully tackle light scratches and oxidation on paintwork. When aluminium foil is dipped in vinegar, it releases aluminium ions that work alongside the foil's gentle abrasiveness to buff away surface imperfections.

Whilst this budget-friendly method won't miraculously repair deep gouges or flaking paint, it can noticeably diminish fine surface marks. "If the scratch is still visible after the first round, you can repeat the process until the desired result is achieved," the Bumper spokesperson said.

"Just remember to rinse off the area with clean water afterwards to remove any vinegar residue, and then dry with a cloth."

This vinegar and aluminium foil technique proves useful for superficial scratches on your vehicle's paintwork, though it won't remedy deeper damage. Vinegar acts as a mild abrasive capable of buffing out minor imperfections.

However, more substantial scratches typically require professional intervention or touch-up paint. Alternative approaches for light scratches include toothpaste, polishing compounds, or petroleum jelly.

To keep your car scratch-free, make sure to wash and wax it regularly, park smartly to steer clear of busy spots and possible door dings, and think about using paint protection film or ceramic coating for that extra shield. Plus, stay aware of your surroundings when driving to dodge bushes and other obstacles.

This method works most effectively on minor, surface-level marks - the type caused by shopping trolleys, keys, or contact with vegetation. "With deeper scratches, which have removed several layers of paint, you'll need to visit a repair shop to get it fixed properly," the Bumper spokesperson said.

For minor scuffs and blemishes, this nifty DIY trick could be just the ticket to sprucing up your car's exterior without forking out for professional bodywork. "You probably already have these items at home, so there's nothing to lose by trying it," they noted. "It's a great way to save money and avoid an unnecessary repair bill."

The RAC advises: "Remember that if you are not confident in doing the work, speak to a mechanic or local garage. However, if you want to repair the scratches on your car, take this advice: Always work in a shaded area to avoid the product drying too quickly. Test the product in a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire scratch. Use soft microfiber cloths to avoid causing new scratches."

• Grab some white vinegar – any brand from the local shop will suffice.
• Aluminium kitchen foil – snip it to the right size.
• Gentle soap and water – to clean the area first.
• A soft cloth or towel – for drying off and buffing.

The spokesperson added: "In a cost-of-living crisis, every little saving counts - and this £2 car care hack could help you dodge a costly trip to the garage. It won't fix everything, but for small cosmetic scratches, it might be the cheapest fix you ever make."