Can a scuffed, scratched car avoid a trip to the body shop?

Q. My wife came out of the supermarket to see the front of her car damaged. There appear to be white marks that look like white paint. It does not look like the body was damaged. There are also some lines that I can catch my fingernail in. On top of that, there are scuff marks. Can you suggest how I can try to clean this up without a trip to the body shop?

A. I would start with a thorough wash using car wash soap and water, then inspect the damage closely. From your description, much of the white discoloration appears to be paint transfer from another object rather than damage to your vehicle’s paint. Try removing it with a mild cleaner such as isopropyl alcohol or an automotive bug-and-tar remover. Once the transfer is gone, use a rubbing compound followed by a polishing compound to reduce the appearance of the scuffs and restore gloss. Finish with a coat of wax or paint sealant to protect the repaired area. The scratches that catch a fingernail are a different matter. Those are usually too deep to be completely removed by polishing because material has been scratched away. Machine polishing may make them less noticeable, but touch-up paint will be needed to fully disguise them. The good news is that paint transfer and surface scuffs often look much worse than they actually are. With some patience and elbow grease, you may be able to restore most of the damaged area to a condition that is barely noticeable, reserving professional repair only for the deepest scratches.

Q. If I were to change the cabin air filter, but only once per year, in this part of the country, which time of year would be best? I’m thinking around December, after the leaves have all fallen and there won’t be any pollen or debris in the air until spring.

A. Although that reasoning makes sense, it may actually be too often. Unless the cabin air filter is very hard to get to, I would rather just take it out and look at it every six months. On two of my family cars, this takes just a few minutes. We have one car that is a bit more involved and requires setting aside some time. Replacing cabin and engine air filters is generally an easy DIY job and can save money compared to having a professional do it for you. Bottom line: inspecting the filter every six months is more reasonable than replacing it on a fixed schedule. 

Q. I own a 2023 Toyota Camry SE with paddle shifters. It’s an automatic transmission that I usually use in Drive. On occasion, I’ve used the automatic stick shifter, which has nine forward gears. My question is, when are gears seven through nine supposed to be used, and are they used for better gas efficiency?

A. In 2023, the Toyota Camry, with both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, had an eight-speed automatic transmission. The seventh and eighth gears are overdrive gears. According to Toyota, seventh gear is designed for highway cruising, typically around 55 to 70 mph with light throttle input. Eighth gear is primarily used at 65 mph and above on level roads with a light engine load. These overdrive gears are used to reduce engine speed, improve fuel economy, and lower noise levels.

Q. I have a 2018 Subaru Forester. Lately, when I press on the gas, it stutters, which makes me nervous on the road. One mechanic said the car is old and it doesn’t have the power it once did or accelerate as quickly as a new car. Would you please advise what to do to get it fixed?

A. Based on the conversation with your mechanic, I might want to find a new shop. An eight-year-old Subaru, if properly maintained, should perform pretty well. I would start with basic diagnostics, including a complete scan of all systems with a scan tool. Just because there is no check engine light on does not mean there are no problems. I would be looking at general tune-up issues, engine performance, a compression test, and an evaluation of the transmission. Simply dismissing the car as old without a reason is not a good answer.

Q. I have never changed the coolant/antifreeze since I purchased my Ford Crown Victoria new in 2007. Currently, the mileage is 108,000. The car runs great, and everything works as it should. My question is whether I should change the coolant, completely flush the system, or do neither. What risk(s) are there?

A. If it were my car, I would do at least a drain and refill. Also, at nearly 20 years old, take a close look at all the coolant hoses. As coolant ages, it loses the additives that lubricate the water pump and prevent corrosion. If you replace the coolant hoses, and this were my car, I would also replace the engine thermostat. Although there is always a small chance that servicing an older cooling system may reveal existing weaknesses, the risks associated with continuing to run 19-year-old coolant are generally much greater. So, to me, the only real risk is from not doing this maintenance.

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor Podcast on Apple Podcasts or other popular podcast sites.