New 2012 Yaris: already have two long (but thin) scratches on top. Scratch X?

[matti]

I've had my car for less than one month and I somehow have two long scatches on the roof. They literally run from the windshield almost all the way back to the hatch. I have a feeling they were intentional, unfortunately.

The good thing is they are very narrow and not deep at all. I read a lot on this forum about Meguiar's Scratch X. Is that an okay product to use on these long, thin scratches? Or should I get some touch-up paint from the dealer? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

[suckerface]

Start with any sort of rubbing compound (Scratch X being a good one). It's really easy to use, and if the scratch isn't too wide/deep, it should take care of it. Follow up with touch-up paint if needed, and a good detailing (wash/clay bar/wax) would prevent any peeling issues after.

[matti]

suckerface, thank you for the feedback. Any other input??

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Scratch-X is usually for shallow, short scratches. Repainted via insurance company vandalism claim would be best. But if you must use Scratch-X, I would wash and claybar the roof first, then try using Scratch-X (2.0) on the scratches using a DA. Don't expect good results though. Follow up with polish and then wax after.

[suckerface]

I wouldn't go to insurance yet, any claims work your premium up. Try and DIY first, then report if it's bad enough. automotivetouchup.com will get you a small bottle of matched paint to help fix it too.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I think that might depend on your insurance carrier. When our Camry got vandalized, our premium didn't go up, we just had to pay the deductible.

[matti]

I'd like to give a quick update: I am an idiot. What appeared to be scratches were not scratches after all. The long, dark, thin lines that I have on my roof (two of them about 4-feet long) along with another set of lines around the antenna on my roof are NOT scratches. It appears to be very hard, crusty lines of dirt.

What confused me is the fact that they are quite linear. I suspect that the car is shipped with some type of plastic cover/protecting layer and, when those layers were peeled off, there was some adhesive left on the roof line. Dirt collected on the adhesive and ended up looking like scratches. At least that's my best guess.

Thanks for putting up with me!

[swidd]

I have no idea what it is, but on my bicycle, after riding on highways and roads, I get strings of some white goo that sounds similar to what you've found on your roof. Kinda looks like bubble gum stretched out, and it appears as lines on the carbon fiber frame that I mistaken for cracks. I've never found it on the Yaris.

[suckerface]

Haha, well, glad it wasn't as bad as you thought! I trust you were able to get it properly cleaned then?

[SurprisingSon]

Originally Posted by matti

I've had my car for less than one month and I somehow have two long In-dash Player on the roof. They literally run from the windshield almost all the way back to the hatch. I have a feeling they were intentional, unfortunately.

The good thing is they are very narrow and not deep at all. I read a lot on this forum about Meguiar's Scratch X. Is that an okay product to use on these long, thin scratches? Or should I get some touch-up paint from the dealer? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Rubbing compound is the best way to solve the problem. Although I've realized a lot of people hate the Yaris...

[Astroman]

Please try to post your threads in the correct thread section. It's getting old moving all the stuff from the "general discussion" when this was DIY/service/maintenance related. I've moved it to the proper sections