A new scratch is one of those small things that feels bigger than it is — mostly because it's hard to tell, just by looking, whether it's a quick fix or a trip to the body shop. There's a simple way to check.
The fingernail test
Run a fingernail gently across the scratch. If your nail catches or snags, the scratch has gone through the clear coat and likely into the paint layer. If your nail glides over it smoothly, it's probably a clear-coat-only scratch — which is the easier category to deal with yourself.
Clear-coat scratches: the good news category
These are shallow enough that they haven't reached the paint or metal underneath. A scratch repair kit is designed specifically for this level of damage and can make a real difference without needing paint-matching.
Deeper scratches need paint-matched product
If the scratch has reached the paint layer (or you can see a different color underneath, like primer or bare metal), a scratch repair paste formulated for deeper damage is a better fit than a basic filler product — though very deep scratches down to bare metal are worth a professional opinion, since rust can become a real issue if it's not sealed properly.
Don't skip the prep step
Whatever product you use, clean and dry the area first. Repair products bond poorly to a surface with wax, dirt, or moisture on it, which is the most common reason a DIY scratch fix doesn't hold up.
For general wear, not just impact scratches
Fine surface scratches from years of washing and light contact respond well to a scratch repair wax, which fills and blends minor marks without the more involved process of a dedicated repair kit.
When it's worth calling a professional
Deep gouges, scratches that expose bare metal over a large area, or damage near a body line are harder to blend seamlessly and are usually worth professional attention. For everything shallower than that, a DIY kit is a realistic and affordable first step.