How To Remove Water Spots

News & Events - 02/04/2024

While there is nothing better than driving around town, it can also expose your car to elements that have the potential to leave water spots. While the spots of water will evaporate, they can leave minerals like calcium and magnesium on your car’s paintwork. The Australian sun can then in turn cause these spots to etch into the vehicle’s surface. Recognising and acting on these causes is crucial for vehicle maintenance to prevent enduring damage and maintain the vehicle’s aesthetic value.

Different Water Spots Have Different Consequences

Water spots can differ greatly in severity. While some are superficial, others deeply imprint into the paint, demanding specialised removal techniques. Ignoring these spots not only impacts the vehicle’s appearance but can also lead to permanent paint damage, significantly affecting the vehicle’s resale value and requiring expensive repairs.

How To Remove Water Spots From Your Car

Effective Rinsing Techniques

If you catch the water spots early, acting swiftly can prevent them from etching. The first thing you’ll want to do is give your car a good rinse with some fresh, clean water to dislodge any loose dirt. Then follow this up by using a soft microfiber towel to make sure you dry every nook and cranny of your car thoroughly to keep new stops from forming.

How To Clean Water Spots With Vinegar

Now if you’re looking for remedies with items you already have lying about the house, vinegar can be a great solution. Mix it up with equal parts of water in a spray bottle. This spray bottle will allow you to effortlessly target the pesky spots. Once you’ve sprayed our vinegar-water concoction onto your car, let it set for a few minutes, allowing it to soften up the stubborn mineral deposits. Then, using a soft cloth, gently wipe away to reveal a cleaner surface. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water and similar to the first step, give your car a comprehensive dry with a microfibre towel to prevent new spots from forming.

How To Clean Water Spots With Clay Bars

For the more stubborn water spots that require a little more investment for a solution – our go to are clay bars. Start with a nice, thorough wash using some pH-neutral soap and rinse it off. Then, get the paint surface lubricated with a gentle glide of the clay bar. Keep kneading the clay to bring out a clean surface as you go. Once you’re done, give your car a vinyl rinse and dry it of to get rid of any leftover bits, leaving your car’s finish smooth and spot-free.

While it may take some practice to get the hang of using clay bars, their ability to tackle persistent water spots can lead to incredible results. They’re particularly useful before applying polish or wax, as they ensure a clean, smooth surface. Just remember, it’s best to work in a shaded area to avoid the direct impact of sunlight on the cleaning process, so maybe opt to do this in a covered car park. Once you’ve achieved a flawless surface, sealing it with a protective wax or sealant is key to preserving the finish.

When To Call In The Professionals

If after trying both of these methods, the water spots on your cat still stubbornly persist, it may be time to consider paint polishing or taking your car to be a professional for a detail service. These pros have tools and expertise to tackle even the most stubborn spots.

How To Stop Water Spots Before They Set

• Engage in regular cleaning with pH-neutral car wash solutions to eliminate dirt and pollutants.
• Always dry your vehicle thoroughly using a soft microfiber towel to prevent mineral deposits from water droplets.
• Opt for shaded parking spots to avoid rapid evaporation and formation of water spots under direct sunlight.
• Apply a quality car wax or paint sealant regularly to create a barrier against water and dirt.
• Avoid air drying; instead, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or a blower designed for cars to eliminate water residues.
• Rinse your car immediately after exposure to rain or sprinklers to wash away potential spot-causing minerals before they can dry.

Safeguard your ride from those pesky water spots with routine expert cleans at Grand Wash Auto. Hunting for a detailed, eco-friendly drive-through car wash in Melbourne’s lively Thornbury, that offers a complimentary vacuum with every wash and stands behind a rock-solid 100% safe wash promise? Look no further than Grand Wash Auto. Swing by and see the unique difference we can make for your car today!