Autocar India
RA

RAVINDRANATH

6w

Will buffing and polishing remove minor scratches on a car’s body and bumper?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6w
Yes, but it depends on how deep the scratch is. Your car’s paint has a clear top layer. If the scratch is only in this clear layer, buffing and polishing can remove it or make it hard to see. A quick check: run your fingernail across the mark. If your nail does not catch, and the scratch almost disappears when the area is wet, polishing should sort it. These are the usual light swirls, light scuffs from bags, or colour transfer from another car which you accidentally nudge.
If your nail catches or you can see a different colour under the paint (grey/white base, black plastic, or bare metal), polishing will not fix it. That needs touch-up paint or a repaint.
Painted bumpers follow the same rule, but be extra gentle. The paint on plastic parts is thinner and heats up fast, so it’s easy to burn the edges with a machine. If the bumper is unpainted black plastic, polishing will not help much. Use a plastic trim restorer, and some light scuffs can be eased with gentle heat.
If you want to try at home: wash and dry the area, use a mild rubbing compound or polish on a soft microfibre cloth, work a small patch, and finish with a finer polish. Wipe clean and apply a wax or sealant so the area stays protected. Do not overdo it, as you are removing a tiny layer each time. If you have PPF, do not polish it. Many films self-heal with warm water or sunlight. With a ceramic coat, ask the detailer for the right method.
So yes, light scratches can be polished out. Deep ones will need paint.

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Prajjwal

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Hi Team, After driving my new Tata Punch Turbo home from the showroom, I noticed a burnt smell and some white smoke coming from the bonnet. Since it’s a brand-new car, I’m a bit concerned. The showroom mentioned it could be due to driving in half clutch. Could you please confirm if this is normal or if it needs to be checked? Thank you

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

This isn’t normal on a brand-new Punch Turbo; book an immediate inspection and avoid driving it till they check it.Visible white smoke from the bonnet with a burnt smell right after the first drive points to oil or coolant touching a hot exhaust or turbo, or a loose clamp. A slipping clutch can create a burnt smell, but it rarely causes visible smoke on a day-one car unless something is already wrong, so the half-clutch explanation sounds like deflection. There is one harmless case, thin coatings or a bit of fluid spilled during prep can burn off and give a faint smell or light wisps for the first few kilometres, but that should fade quickly and not produce sustained smoke.Park it, look for any fresh wet spots under the car, and check the coolant level once the engine is fully cold. Note where the smoke seemed to start, especially front right near the turbo and exhaust, and record a short clip if it happens again. Take it back to the dealer, ask for a job card, and have them check for leaks, loose hose clamps, or clutch issues under warranty. Do not accept “driving style” as the only answer on day one.

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I want to buy a car under Rs 12 lakh. It should be a petrol automatic and will be my first car. I need good ground clearance, a good engine and gearbox combination for 70% city and 30% highway use, and my daily running is around 30 km in Bengaluru traffic. Comfort, space, decent fuel efficiency, ease of driving, and long-term ownership are important to me. I do not want a Fronx, Baleno, i20, Exter, Punch, or Nexon. Please suggest a value-for-money option. Thank you.

Autocar India team

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Given your exclusions, the Skoda Kylaq automatic would be our first recommendation. Specifically, the Signature automatic is if you can stretch slightly. The 1.0 TSI turbo petrol and torque converter automatic are a very good combination for Bangalore traffic. The gearbox is smooth, the engine has enough punch for highway overtakes, and the car feels more premium and substantial than most options in this price range. Ground clearance is good, it is easy to drive, and it has the solid feel that many first-time buyers appreciate.Another strong option is the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro automatic. It has a wider rear seat, feels bigger inside and is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment. The torque converter automatic is smooth, and it is comfortable for city use. The downside is that fuel efficiency is not that great, and the boot is on the smaller side.If you are willing to consider a sedan, the Honda Amaze CVT is also worth a look. The CVT is exceptionally smooth in traffic, reliability is excellent, and it is the kind of car you can comfortably keep for a decade. The only reason it is not our primary recommendation is that you specifically mentioned wanting good ground clearance.

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Posted on: 22 Apr 2026