Tough car paint stains and how to remove them

 No one wants their car to look aged or dirty. When you pull up, you want to pull up in a ride that looks new and sparkling clean. However, it can be a challenge to maintain car paint to this level, especially as your car gets older. One easy way to start is to get stains off the paint, but we know some of them are tougher than others to remove. Check out these expert tips from Toyota of N Charlotte's techs and keep your car in mint condition! 

Four of the toughest car paint stains

#1: Dead bugs or bird poop. Practically everyone has faced the wrath of bird poop or bugs on their car paint and these stains aren't as easy as they look to remove. Typically, you can't just hit them with the hose and call it a day. Our solution for these tough stains? Mix up some white vinegar and warm water, dip a dryer sheet in it, and get to gently scrubbing. This should remove the dead bugs or bird poop pretty quickly. It's important to remove these stains immediately because they're acidic and can do damage to your N Charlotte Toyota's car paint over time. 

#2: Watermarks. Water, believe it or not, can leave stains on your car. Some water (like the water coming out of your hose) has quite a few minerals in it and if left to dry, will leave mineral deposits or watermarks all over your car paint. The solution? Dry your car thoroughly after you wash it, and then apply a coat or two of quality wax. The car wax will provide a barrier between your car and the elements, allowing water to bead up and slide off rather than sit and dry. 

#3: Fingerprints. You touch your car all the time without even realizing it, but as innocent as it is, you're still leaving oily fingerprints all over it. They're especially noticeable on darker-colored cars. The easiest way to get your car paint smudge-free is to take some warm water with mild soap and use a microfiber cloth to scrub them off. 

#4: Wet cement or paint. It's not common, but it happens. You could face wet cement driving through a construction site, and you may encounter wet paint at any time. Both are exceptionally difficult to get off of your car! Your best bet is to attack the stains right away - don't let them dry if you can help it. And when you go to clean, use an oil-based cleaner (like WD40). This along with some gentle but persistent scrubbing should take them off. Be sure to watch your car paint while you clean to ensure you're not scratching or wearing it down as you scrub. 

Get detailing supplies at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions about car stains or need to shop supplies for removing them? Toyota of N Charlotte is always here to help. Call us! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road.