Essential Guide to Water Spots on Your Vehicle
Hey Burqueño! If you've ever noticed pesky water spots marring the finish of your car, you're not alone. These small droplets can leave behind lasting damage. They also diminish the appearance and even affect the value of your vehicle. But fear not—understanding and tackling these spots can be simpler than you think.
Real quick, here is a brief summary of what’s to come:
Water Spot Origins: Formed by minerals left behind when water evaporates. There are two main types—surface spots and deeper etched spots.
DIY Tips: Wash your vehicle in the shade using filtered or deionized water. For existing spots, try a vinegar solution or clay bar treatment.
Professional Care: For severe water spots, consider expert services from an Auto Detailer. We use deionized water to prevent to chance of water spots as well as protect your paint and glass up to 6 months.
Now back to the article.
Water spots form when water evaporates from your vehicle's surface and leaves behind minerals. Some minerals found in hard water are calcium and magnesium. They are in all non-distilled water, like water from your hose. When water dries on your car's paint, it leaves minerals behind, causing visible spots. You will see white rings or cloudy areas on you paint or glass.
Want to know something interesting about water spots and your car? There are actually two classifications of water spots. Each has to do with the severity of the water spots. We will look at them now and how you can address them.
1. Type I - Above Surface Water Spots:
- Result from water evaporated after a rain or washing your car.
- They sit above the vehicle's paint surface.
- With time, these can bond to the paint, making removal challenging.
2. Type II - Below Surface Water Spots (Etched):
- Formed when water droplets draw contaminants into the paint.
- This type can etch or dig into the paint's surface.
- Etched spots are more challenging to remove and can require professional treatment.
Water spots aren't just an aesthetic problem. They can compromise the integrity of your car's paint job, leading to further paint damage. A vehicle's appearance plays a pivotal role in its value. So, untreated water spots can bring down the resale value.
Understanding where water spots come from is half the battle. Preventing them and treating them as they arise is crucial. Next are some ways to prevent or remove these pesky blemishes and address them if they pop up. Go ahead and use this info to protect your vehicle. If you have any questions about water spots or the info in this blog, give us a call or text and we'll help you out! You can reach us at 505-226-6326.
Preventing Water Spots:
1. Wash in the Shade:
Direct sunlight can be detrimental when washing your car. Sunlight speeds up evaporation before you've had a chance to rinse or dry your vehicle.
2. Use Filtered or Deionized Water:
Regular tap water contains minerals that leave deposits on your car. A water deionizer or a filtration system can reduce or eliminate these minerals. With no minerals you have a cleaner, spot-free rinse.
DIY Solutions:
When prevention doesn't do the trick, you can turn to these DIY treatments:
1. Vinegar Solution:
The mild acidic nature of vinegar can break down the mineral deposits making water spots. A simple mix of distilled water and white vinegar can be an effective remedy. Make sure you rinse the area well after using this mix on your vehicle.
2. Clay Bar Treatment:
Think of clay bars as exfoliation for your car. They can lift and remove contaminants from the vehicle's surface. Always use the clay bar with the right lubrication to prevent scratching. You can use a water and soap mixture used to wash your vehicle.
Professional Solutions at Sandia Shine Co.:
DIY solutions can often address minor water spot issues many people face. Professional detailing goes beyond treatment—it’s about holistic vehicle care. Here's what sets our approach apart at Sandia Shine Co.:
1. Deionized Water Filtration System: A game-changer in vehicle washing. Our mobile system purifies water, removing the minerals responsible for water spots. Every car washed at Sandia Shine Co. gets the benefit of spot-free water. This means you get a flawless finish every time.
2. Premium Microfiber Towels: They drying process is as important as the wash and the water we use. Our premium towels dry your vehicle so there is no water to leave spots. Microfiber towels make the drying process safe and efficent.
3. Wash, Clay, and Seal Service:
We begin with a hand wash, followed by a clay bar treatment to remove embedded contaminants. To cap it off, we apply a ceramic paint sealant to all vehicles. This sealant boost the car's gloss and depth of paint. It also repels water for your paint and glass, know as hydrophobic properties. One other benifit is UV ray protection for up to 6 months.
Water spots can affect a vehicle's aesthetics and value in a big way. With the right knowledge and techniques, we can prevent and event treat water spots. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle isn't about its appearance alone—it's an investment. Our vehicles are one of the most expensive things we own. With this guide, you are also prepared to take car of that investment like the rest of our community.
Remember to support local and whenever you think of getting a car wash or mobile detailing service, think of the unparalleled services Albuquerque has to offer.
Stay shining, Albuquerque!
505-226-6326
info@sandiashineco.com
Have a wonderful day!
Santiago Trujillo, Owner
Sandia Shine Co. - Premium Mobile Detailing
