6 steps to avoid water spots on your beloved car

The water of any type contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. You will notice hard water spots on your car's exterior because dried water leaves traces of the said minerals.

If you proceed in allowing this to occur, the minerals together with other debris and dirt will eventually become a permanent stain and affect the exterior and overall paint job of your car.

You will notice hard water spots on your car's exterior because dried water leaves traces of the said minerals

If this happens, you will need the help of a buffing machine which means you will either wear down the car’s coating to the point that it needs of re-application or you will shave off the clear coating of your vehicle.

Good thing there are different ways to prevent water spots from forming in your car’s finish. Philkotse.com prepared these handy tips below:

1. Have a coating that sheds bead

This is the simplest way to avoid water spots. Get a coating that sheets water outright or sheds bed easily. If there are no beads, then there will be no water spots left.

You need to remember that no coating can completely stop water from resting on the vehicle’s finish, however, a coating which can repel water is better because it avoids static beads, which will then prevent the build-up of water spots.

Get a coating that sheets water outright or sheds bed easily

>>> Read more: How to remove water spots on cars

2. Wipe dry the car exterior each time it gets wet

Another effective and easy technique to avoid water spot build-up is by drying your vehicle after a rainfall, a car wash or each time it gets saturated. You can make use of microfiber cloths or old towels to dry the water off. You should also do this all the time after the rinsing step of car washing.

All the plastic parts like bumper, chrome, and painted surfaces. Make sure you go over every part for a few times to ensure that no there will be no water streaks left which can leave residue on your vehicle’s surface.

Dry your vehicle after a rainfall, a car wash or each time it gets saturated

3. Keep your vehicle away from rainfall

A common misconception of people is that rain shower will remove away the dirt and debris from the car. What they don't know is that in water and other sources of groundwater contain much more minerals compared to tap water. 

Also, rainwater when combined with other dirt particles, increase the chances of water spot build-up or worse, it will lead to etching of the car's finish.  

Rainwater when combined with other dirt particles, increase the chances of water spot build-up

Etching means debris and minerals will get beneath the paint and will cause tiny marks to the sections of the car's surface that are not protected. As much as possible, avoid leaving your vehicle unsheltered when it is raining. Park your car in a garage or covered space during a rainstorm. Additionally, keep your vehicle away from sprinklers and other similar potential water sources.

>>> Also read: Rainy Days and Car Paint: Good or Bad?

4. Keep the car covered from the intense sun

When you leave your vehicle under the intense heat of the sun, you only allow the process of developing destructive water spots to speed up. The high temperature from the sun warms off water quicker which will leave just the residue behind. Too many baked on water spots means a harder process of removing it.

Take note that you should never allow your car to roast under the blazing heat of the sun anytime and anywhere, even if you don't have plans on cleaning and washing it. Besides, never clean or wash your car under the extreme heat of the sun. IT’s recommended to wash it early in the morning or late afternoon.

The high temperature from the sun warms off water quicker which will leave just the residue behind

During this time, the sun rays are not as harmful. The car paint is pretty similar to our skin. When it is exposed under the heat of the sun or in any extreme temperature, the damage will be harsher and more intense.

>>> Check out: 6 reasons to park your car in a garage.

5. Remove water spots using a vinegar wash

Removing water spots don't have to expensive. Rather than consuming money on commercial water spot cleaners, you can use white vinegar to remove the water spot. You can use vinegar not as main car soap but as main water. It will help in removing dried and stubborn water stains and cutting the hard water's pH levels.

After you wash your vehicle with soap and after drying it, combine equal parts of water (we recommend distilled water because it does not contain as much mineral as usual tap water) and white vinegar. Use a sponge to wipe the mixture all over your vehicle or specially target water spots.

You can use white vinegar to remove the water spots

After wiping the water-vinegar mixture, rinse the car well using distilled water if possible. Then wipe dry the car using a microfiber cloth. Take note that any sealant or wax will also be removed during the application of the mixture, so you need to re-apply a protective layer again after the vehicle has dried completely.

6. Remove minor etching marks using a clay detailing bar

Vinegar is a great tool to remove water spots; however, if it is left on the car's surface for an extended period, your vehicle might suffer from etching. You need to do light damage control if you notice any etching of water sports on the car's paint finish. The best product for this job is a clay detailing bar.

Initially, you need to clean the area using soap or vinegar then dry the area. Then lubricate the surface with a wax product of your choice. Next, scrub the clay on the area you are working on.

Use a microfiber towel to buff the spot until you're satisfied with the outcomes. Remember to carefully read and follow the directions of the product and use it in minor etching marks only.

Water spots sustain on car's surface for an extended period will cause etching marks

>>> Grasp your attention: 3 key tips for better car exterior maintenance during the wet season in the Philippines.

Most of us assume that water is safe but in some parts, it can damage your car if it is left on the surface to dry. We use a good kind of car soap to maintain the cleanliness and shine of our car's paint finish, but it will all be a waste if you let water to dry in your vehicle.

It will also be useless if you ignore water spots thinking that it can easily be removed on your next wash. If you want to protect and maintain the finish, make sure you dry any presence of water beads in your car's finish before water spots take its toll on your car over time.