Very carefully put the roof bars on the Vrs last weekend- wiped the paintwork down before I fixed them on so that there was no grit trapped between the rubber feet and the body. Didn't overtighten them- which on my last car caused some damage to the roof.

After a very swift look around the Christmas tree emporium, chose a fine looking specimen which I firmly afixed to the roof bars- ensuring that I didn't drag the metal ratchet across the roof while I was securing it.

Hey presto, unloading at the other end I discovered that the tree had picked up some stones on its journey from where it was originally planted, to where it went through the tree wrapping gizmo. You've guessed it, they shook themselves down between the tree and my paint work and made a good job of leaving a scratched roof.... AAAAArrrggghhh!

Any recommendations on some off the shelf "jollop" that I could use to rectify the problem? Or should I be looking at one of these mobile chips and scuff repair vans to sort it?

Any help gratefully received!!

Try Autoglym Super Resin Polish.

Clean paintwork. Apply SRP and work in 12" by 12" squares. Work each square for approximately 2 minutes until you feel the polish go tacky - it should also turn clear.

Remove any excess with a microfibre cloth (shouldn't be too much).

Apply a wax or sealant over the top to protect your roof.

Youre only masking the scratches with filler

AGSRP will not remove them

Instead...Get some Gtechnik P1 polish and a hand polishing pad...Hey presto..Scratches removed!

Next time you put the roof rack on..Get some Duck tape applied to the paintwork and you wont get any more scratches

Alot will depend on how deep the scratches are. I've used some 2 pack stuff from Aldi on shallow ones with good results, but it didn't shift some deper ones some kid put on the wifes car with his bike pedal. There's a growing number of body shops that have a measuring devise that tells them how deep the scrach is/how much laquer is left and if there's enough they can cut and polish them out. If you look on youtube you should be able to find some examples- I remember seeing a body shop in the SW somewhere showing what they could do- no good for you to visit I know but should give you some ideas

Thanx chaps, I think I'll give the P1 a try. May need to consult a body shop if they still show!