what's the best way to get rid of the scratches that are on my civic? they're not really scratches, more like streaks in random directions if you know what i mean... would a orbital/ rotary buffer or whatever its called work?

 

If they are streaks than yes you can use a buffer.
http://www.ctscorp-usa.com

 

i don't know where his link is showing you but it does sound like clear coat scratchs. So if you know how to use a buffer then do that if not get car detailed by a pro. If you are hard up for cash when u wax your car pick up some meguiars swirel remover and put that on right before u put the wax on. You apply it just like wax and it will take out the swirel. On a side not that is the downfall of having black usually need to buff it 2 or 3 times a year to keep the swirels at a min.

 

I always pictured your car being silver, I'd use a buffer and then a wax block. My car's black and it looks like ****, im repainting soon....

 

Being a fellow black car owner, I feel your pain... I would suggest investing in a Porter Cable 7336 variable speed orbital polisher, a velcro backing plate, and at least three pads... polishing, medium, and heavy cut (Lake Countryor Meguiars)you won't regret it. I got mine back in 2000 and haven't looked back since. I got mine from Lowe's for $100. Pads and backing plate were about another $50. I still have some of my original pads, they last a long time if you take care of them.

Check out this read just to get a little more informed about what you're dealing with...
http://guidetodetailing.com/articles.php?articleId=15

Or if you don't want to spend a lot or do have very light swirls, do what Absolute said... Meguiars Scratch X for light swirls, 3M perfect it II for medium swirls, Meguiars DACP or diamond cut for heavierswirls. Ipersonally like Meg's DACP because it starts off course and breaks downso you don't have to start with a heavy cut and follow up with a light cut.... does it all.... If they are very light Meg's scratch X should be enough to get the job done.

Best of luck to ya...

 

^ Thanks a lot for the info.

 

buff it out and put a protective coat on it. wash your car yourseld instead of drive thru