One of the quintessential issues which car owners from Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Arizona, Southern California, and several isolated areas face is the presence and removal of hard water spots on car. These are the areas with the hardest water (14 gpg) and as such, need better options for the care of their vehicles.
If you live in these areas, then you most probably have done everything you can to prevent and remove hard water spots on your car to no avail. You might have tried home remedies like vinegar and baking powder out of frustration. Unfortunately, these can actually cause more damage and may require you to take your beloved vehicle for a major paint job to body shops.
Has it occurred to you that you may not be doing it properly? To save you from further headaches and hefty body shop fees, DetailXPerts is giving you a step-by-step guide on how to remove hard water spots on car.
How to Remove Hard Water Spots On Car
Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you remove those hard water spots on your car:
1. Clean Your Car Thoroughly
Wash your car with the right car shampoo. Rinse it with sufficient amounts of water. Dry it with the help of microfiber towels. This thorough process can get rid of minor water spots. A clean surface also brings out stains like hard water spots to visibility, making it easier for you to locate them.
2. Identify the Type of Hard Water Spots
As they say, knowing a bit about your enemy helps you create an effective counterattack, right? Similarly, you have to know the kind of hard water spots on your car, so you can use the right products and apply the proper techniques.
According to Mike Phillips, Autogeek’s Director of Training, there are three main types of hard water spots: Type I, Type II, and Type III. The first is the result of water that’s left to dry on its own. For example, as in the case of not drying your car properly after a wash. The second occurs when something acidic (bird droppings, acid rain) is not removed immediately, thus leaving etching marks on your paint. The third is caused by prolonged exposure to hard water, giving a faded look to the affected areas.
3. Use Clay Bar
When it comes to the removal of hard water spots on car surfaces, nothing beats clay bars. These are effective against almost all types of surface car stains. Wary about using one lest you do more damage than good? No worries, using it is as simple as playing with a child’s clay. But for your peace of mind, here are a few tips on how to use an auto detailing clay bar on your car.
4. Buff It
Generally, there are 5 cases in which you should buff your car. Two of those cases are when chemical etching occurs or when the exterior paint loses its luster. Either can be the result of prolonged exposure to hard water. Buff your car with a fine grade buffer head, applying just the right amount of pressure to prevent you from damaging its clear coat.
5. Seal It
Sealing your car’s paint does not only add to its beauty, but it also protects it from damages brought about by the elements. You can choose from brands deemed by experts as the longest-lasting car wax products in the market today.
Do all these steps overwhelm you? Then you might want to try steam cleaning. It is a proven and tested method for the effective removal of hard water spots on a car. Better yet, schedule an appointment with detail experts in your area and have your car steam-cleaned by professionals. This will ensure that your car gets the proper treatment it deserves.
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