If you’ve spent more than 10 minutes on CarTok, you’ve probably seen a self-proclaimed guru promising to “erase” paint scratches with something from your bathroom cabinet. The allure is obvious. A five-minute, zero-dollar fix instead of a body shop bill or insurance claim. But according to Autotrader and mechanic Hannah Gordon, those so-called hacks are often the automotive equivalent of putting duct tape on a broken bone. 

With more than 22,000 searches a month in the U.S. for “car scratch repair,” it’s clear drivers want quick solutions. But the wrong DIY move can turn a driveway job into a $250-plus respray. 

Here are three of the worst offenders.

Toothpaste leaves “minty fresh” dull patches

The internet loves the idea that toothpaste can buff away scratches like magic. It can’t.

Gordon explained that toothpaste isn’t designed for automotive paint and is too mild to smooth out anything deeper than the faintest surface mark.

At best, it does nothing. At worst, it leaves a dull patch that makes the damage more obvious. 

Professionals use a fine cutting paste meant for clear coat. It’s a product that actually removes minor imperfections without adding new ones.

The mechanic says WD-40 is just a glossy illusion

WD-40 is another frequent star of the “easy fix” videos. And while it might look like it’s working, that shine is nothing but smoke and mirrors.

Gordon reported that the oil simply fills the scratch temporarily, creating a glossy illusion that fades as the residue evaporates. Once it does, the scratch is still there, and you’re right back where you started. Well, minus the time, and potentially plus a greasy mess to clean.

Nail polish creates a patch that pops for all the wrong reasons

Grabbing a bottle of nail polish might sound clever for covering a chip, but unless you somehow own the exact factory paint code in manicure form, the fix will stand out like a neon sign.

The mechanic warned that nail polish often dries unevenly, leaving raised patches that highlight the damage instead of hiding it.

It’s also not formulated to withstand sun and weather, so it can flake off over time.

Resist viral hacks by avoiding scratches in the first place

With autumn’s overgrown hedges and crowded roads raising scratch risk, Autotrader experts say prevention beats damage control. This means paying full attention to your parking sensors, steering clear of road edges, or applying paint protection film. And if you do end up with a scratch, resist the viral “hacks.” A professional repair by a certified mechanic may cost more up front, but it’ll save you from turning a blemish into a two-part bill.