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Concord cars are known for their reliability and durability, but even the best vehicles can be susceptible to damage, especially when it comes to keying. If your Concord car has been keyed, it’s natural to feel frustrated and want to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to repair the damage and restore your car’s appearance.

Understanding the Damage

Keying is a type of vandalism that involves scratching a vehicle’s paint with a sharp object. The severity of the damage can vary depending on the type of object used and the amount of pressure applied. Minor keying might only affect the clear coat, while more severe damage can reach the base coat or even the primer.

Identifying Keying Damage

Keying damage is often characterized by:

• Deep scratches: The scratches are usually deep enough to penetrate the clear coat and may even expose the base coat or primer.
• Parallel lines: Keying scratches often run parallel to each other, indicating that they were made with a single object.
• Uneven depth: The scratches may be deeper in some areas than others.
• Irregular shape: The scratches may be jagged or irregular in shape.

Repairing Keyed Car

Here’s a breakdown of how to repair a keyed car:

1. Assess the Damage

Before starting any repairs, it’s crucial to assess the severity of the damage. If the scratches are only in the clear coat, you may be able to repair them yourself. However, if the damage is deeper, you’ll likely need to take your car to a professional body shop.

2. Cleaning the Area

After assessing the damage, you’ll need to clean the area where the keying occurred. This involves washing the affected area with soap and water and then drying it thoroughly. A clean surface ensures that any repair products adhere properly.

3. Using Touch-Up Paint

For minor keying damage, you can use touch-up paint to cover the scratches. Touch-up paint is available at most auto parts stores and comes in a variety of colors to match your car’s paint code.

Steps for Using Touch-Up Paint:

1. Shake the paint bottle well: Ensure the paint is thoroughly mixed.
2. Apply a small amount of paint to the scratch: Use a small brush or toothpick to carefully apply the paint.
3. Let the paint dry completely: The drying time will vary depending on the paint type.
4. Apply a clear coat: Once the paint has dried, apply a layer of clear coat to help protect the paint and give it a smooth finish.

4. Professional Body Shop Repair

If the keying damage is extensive, it’s recommended to take your car to a professional body shop for repair. A professional body shop will have the equipment and expertise to handle more complex repairs.

Steps for Professional Repair:

1. Sanding: The body shop will sand down the area around the scratches to create a smooth surface.
2. Filling: They will then use filler to fill in the scratches.
3. Painting: Once the filler has dried, the body shop will prime and paint the affected area to match the rest of your car.
4. Polishing: The final step involves polishing the painted area to create a smooth and shiny finish.

Preventing Keying Damage

While keying is a frustrating problem, there are several things you can do to help prevent it:

• Park in well-lit areas: Avoid parking in dark or secluded areas, as this can make your car a target for vandals.
• Invest in a car alarm: A car alarm can deter thieves and vandals from targeting your car.
• Consider a car cover: A car cover can help protect your car from the elements and also make it less appealing to vandals.

Conclusion

Keying damage can be frustrating, but it’s not always a major problem. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively repair the damage and restore your car’s appearance. Remember, if the damage is extensive, it’s best to take your car to a professional body shop.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us at [phone number] or visit our office at [address]. We’re here to help you get back on the road with a gleaming Concord car.

FAQ

1. How much does it cost to fix keyed car?

The cost of repairing a keyed car will vary depending on the severity of the damage, the size of the area that needs to be repaired, and the type of repair being done.

2. Can I fix keying damage myself?

You can repair minor keying damage yourself using touch-up paint. However, if the damage is deeper, you’ll need to take your car to a professional body shop.

3. Will insurance cover keying damage?

Whether or not your insurance will cover keying damage depends on your specific policy. It’s important to review your policy and contact your insurance company to determine what is covered.

4. What should I do if I see someone keying a car?

If you see someone keying a car, it’s important to call the police immediately. You should also try to get a description of the person and their vehicle, as this will help the police identify the perpetrator.

5. Is it illegal to key a car?

Yes, keying a car is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges and fines.