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<\/p>\nWater spots are a very common issue experienced by most vehicle owners at one time or another. \u00a0These annoying little spots can make your nicely washed vehicle look dirty, and can potentially even create some very serious damage over time.<\/p>\n
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It seems like the majority of tap water is considered to be “hard water”, meaning it is rich with minerals. \u00a0When hard water is left to dry on the paint, the water evaporates and mineral deposits remain on the surface of the vehicle. \u00a0These mineral deposits, or water spots, are very stubborn and will really bond to the paint which can make them difficult to remove. \u00a0 Spots can also be formed from acid rain (We will discuss how to remove water spots in depth in another article).<\/p>\n
If the water spots\u00a0are left on the paint for too long, they may\u00a0start to etch into the clear coat. Once this etching has started, the damage has now become a below surface defect within the clear coat<\/em> rather than a bonded contaminate on top of the clear coat\u00a0<\/em>and will therefore need to be dealt with differently. \u00a0In severe instances, these etchings can become so deep that they\u00a0may require repainting to completely repair.<\/p>\n Now that we have a basic understanding of what water spots are and what kind of damage they can cause, here are just a few simple solutions to help avoid the risk of harmful water spots to keep your paint looking its best.<\/p>\n This may seem like common sense, but many people do not have a covered driveway or area to work in, therefore they try to struggle through washing in harsh sunlight. \u00a0If you live in a warm climate, this is even more difficult. \u00a0It is nearly impossible to keep the vehicle wet enough to avoid spots while washing in direct sunlight. \u00a0For those who do not have a shaded area, garage, or other covered work space that will allow you to wash during the day, I simply suggest washing at dawn or dusk when the sun is very low in the sky. \u00a0You may even consider washing in the evening once the sun has set. \u00a0This will make it much easier to take your time while washing and not have to worry about water spots and soap scum drying on your paint.<\/p>\n Do not allow hard\u00a0tap water to dry on the surface of your vehicle. \u00a0Some people have a habit of simply rinsing off their vehicle with hose water or the pressure washer when it is not that dirty. \u00a0This practice will surely lead to water spots if your local water source is rich with minerals. \u00a0A great alternative is simply using Optimum No Rinse<\/a> and doing a quick rinseless wash to remove the fine layer of dust, pollen, or dirt from your vehicle.<\/p>\n Likewise, water from sprinkler systems\u00a0and other municipal water utilities should be avoided. \u00a0Be aware of sprinkler heads around parking lots, water lines in parking garages, etc. and try your best to avoid parking near them. \u00a0A little proactive planning can save you a lot of time, frustration, and potentially\u00a0money in the end.<\/p>\n If the water in your area is particularly tough to work with, don’t worry, there are some options that will make your life easier.<\/p>\nHow to Prevent Water Spots<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nDo Not Wash in Direct Sunlight<\/h3>\n
Be Aware of Hard Water Sources<\/h3>\n
Use a Spotless Water System or Alternative Washing Methods<\/h3>\n