How to Remove Water Spots on Car Paint
You've just washed your car a short time ago, but as it sits in the sunlight, you notice several spots in the finish. These are most likely water spots, which can be caused by leftover mineral deposits in the water that was used to wash the car in the first place or from rain. Water evaporates fairly quickly, but the minerals within the water do not. In the worst-case scenarios, these minerals can actually get baked into your paint over time and leave blemishes. Since these can be quite difficult to remove, the key is to avoid water spots in he first place.
How is this accomplished?
When using a drive-through commercial car wash, pay a couple of extra bucks for an upgrade to a distilled water rinse. While you're at it, make sure that the car wash has an air blower to assist in drying your car right away. Water that is not dried quickly is far more likely to leave spots, even if it the car wash claims that it uses distilled (mineral-free) water. Minerals can still work their way into this water supply as it bounces off of the cars themselves and the dirty floor beneath. Carry a non-abrasive towel in your trunk. As soon as you exit the wash bay, wipe down any remaining wet areas. When you return home, use a damp chamois cloth to remove any remaining spots.
For tougher, stubborn spots, some muscle may be required. Any good car polish should also be able to tackle these areas. Polish will also seal the paint underneath for a period of time which will in turn make it harder for minerals to adhere to the surface. Products designed to conceal hairline scratches and swirl marks also work to remove are at least de-emphasize stubborn water stains.
Something as simple as a water spot is unlikely to become a permanent fixture in your car's paint, but the possibility still remains. For example, if you live in an area affected by acid rain, your car will be at a higher risk for paint damage, especially if it is not kept in a garage. The only defense one has at his or her disposal in these settings is frequent polishing and waxing.
Eventually, flaws in a car's finish can reach the point of no return. Thus, in these cases, the only option is a paint job. The goal is to minimize the chances of this occurring. The best way to do this is to avoid parking outside as much as possible and to take care of water spots as soon as they become visible.
Don't let that car age faster than it has to!
