the other day I was zipping down my favorite twisty road, came around a corner going downhill, and saw a broken bamboo branch hanging down over the road. It looked like I might clear it (I couldn't go around because of facing traffic and no shoulder and it is a dangerous place to stop because people come flying around that bend and might hit me). I gritted my teeth and went through it. Later I realized there is a scratch from the top of the windshield to the front of the sunroof. Should I just try polishing it out first to see how deep it really is, or what?

Thanks.

 

That's the first step. Assuming you have nothing, get yourself a FOAM applicator (not terrycloth) and rub in back and forth motions using a cleaner wax (it has abrasives in it) or something you can get locally like Meguiars Scratch X (not ideal but will work in a pinch) or preferably go online and get a dedicated quality scratch/swirl remover. Buff off with a microfiber or 100% cotton towel. You will quickly be able to diagnose the situation. Hint: if you can feel the scratch with your fingernail it is likely NOT going to come out completely but can be improved with the above method.

That's the 10 second answer. If you have more questions let me know.

 

There's Bamboo in Virginia?
Sorry , but yea just what Brad said, If you want to go all out for "hand" removing the scratches autopia-carcare.com has a great bundle for this. But like many on here talk about, including me, the PC 7424, like this (what I have), is really the best tool for the amatuer and pro alike, unless you are really good at a rotary, with which you will get results faster, but with huge risks involved. You will also find that if you make the spring for it (or ask for it as a X-mas gift) that you will want to use it, alot! Pretty soon, but with some effort required, you'll want to make your entire car perfect, then you'll win some local shows, then national, and then you'll be the first MINI to ever win the Concourse @ Pebble Beach, and then... You get my point, just remember that you won't get immediate results, it takes time and patients but it is worth it!

Good Luck!

Mikey