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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > Acid Rain/Water Spots?



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      09-10-2012, 10:46 AM   #1
boostmg
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Acid Rain/Water Spots?

Hand washed my car yesterday to unfortunately find what looks like white filmy water spots. Just spoke to a detailer, he said he believes it sounds like acid rain :/ and that could cost around $300. I understand it's a lot of work - is that a good price?

I don't have the time or resources to do this myself, and i'm really frustrated, b/c the paint looks like shit. It looks like dried up spit.

The other thing i'm clueless about is how it even happened! Could it be from shitty water at the car wash?

My car sits outside allday, i think it's time i get a cover
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      09-10-2012, 11:05 AM   #2
egregor
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My car had the same thing after it rained while my car was parked under a tree. The whole hood was covered in water marks that would not come off with a wash. A body shop told me it was acid rain, and that it was eating into the clearcoat.

They gave it a really thorough wax, and I don't see them at all anymore. I'm not sure if this just masked the problem for a while or fixed it, but I'd definitely try that first and see how it works out. It costs next to nothing after all!
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      09-10-2012, 12:31 PM   #3
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You can purchase a Porter Cable 7424 polisher, a few pads, and a polish to buff out the water spots yourself for less than $300. Mineral in hard water causes these spots. The only way to avoid the spots are to dry the car before the water evaporates, or by using a de-ionizing water filtration system while washing your car.

But yes, a quality detailer will charge about that price for a two step polish.
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      09-10-2012, 01:35 PM   #4
boostmg
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wingman335 View Post
You can purchase a Porter Cable 7424 polisher, a few pads, and a polish to buff out the water spots yourself for less than $300. Mineral in hard water causes these spots. The only way to avoid the spots are to dry the car before the water evaporates, or by using a de-ionizing water filtration system while washing your car.

But yes, a quality detailer will charge about that price for a two step polish.
am i risking damaging the paint the longer i don't take care of them?
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      09-11-2012, 12:28 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boostmg View Post
Hand washed my car yesterday to unfortunately find what looks like white filmy water spots. Just spoke to a detailer, he said he believes it sounds like acid rain :/ and that could cost around $300. I understand it's a lot of work - is that a good price?

I don't have the time or resources to do this myself, and i'm really frustrated, b/c the paint looks like shit. It looks like dried up spit.

The other thing i'm clueless about is how it even happened! Could it be from shitty water at the car wash?

My car sits outside allday, i think it's time i get a cover
I just finished spending the weekend removing the hard water spots (a gift from the City Sprinklers) on my hood.

Acid rain generally happens in well industrialized communities. If you also live in an area that has hot summer days then the problem for your car multiply several folds. Unfortunately, there are no products in the market that would give you 100% protection from this. The best they could do is to slow down the damage. Regular maintenance of your surface protection is the key.....especially in the Summer. Hard water spots damage your paint in much the same way. If untreated....it also could eat through the clear. I seen this first hand on another vehicle. Wet sanding couldn't remove them since they were etched so deep.

Before you take the car to a Pro, try using a white vinegar & distilled water solution to see if it would neutralize the effect. Do a test spot to see if this would work. Apply a few squirts with a household sprayer and let the solution sit for about 30-45 sec then Wipe off with a clean towel. You probably have to re-apply your protection after since the solution might also strip this protective layer.

Good Luck!!!!!!!
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