Watermarks, or water spots, are the specks and stains on your car’s exterior oftentimes caused by rainwater or sometimes just by water after a brisk wash.

As the beads of water rest on your car’s paint, they leave residue from traces of minerals and pollutants that were mixed with the water. When it dries, you’ll notice white stains on your car’s body, glass, and metal trims.

Harmless these innocent watermarks may appear but they can damage your car’s paint over time. That said, we’ll look into some of the ways you can remove these pesky watermarks and a few more on how you can avoid them.

Watermark remover

1. Vinegar

Yes, vinegar not only brings out the best in your favorite chicharon but it can also enhance your car’s look. See, vinegar has low pH levels which makes it good against alkaline deposits.

Simply mix vinegar with distilled water and put the mixture in a bucket. Use an automotive sponge or a microfiber cloth to spread the solution on the affected area. Let the salve rest for several minutes and wipe the broken-down residue off your vehicle. Wash and rinse.

2. Commercial watermark remover

If you’re not confident smothering your car with vinegar, you can opt to use commercial watermark removers. These products are designed and engineered to break down the mineral buildups on your car’s surface and are typically easy and straightforward to use.

Depending on your product, you might need to spray it on the affected surface or put the product on a microfiber cloth and apply it to the water spot.

3. Detailing clay

Detailing clay is also a great way to remove water spots. Detailing professionals typically use these clay bars to get to those stubborn watermarks.

These products usually come with a lubricant, which you will have to apply on the affected surface. With the lubricant sitting on the paint, simply brush the clay through until the water spot is removed.

Watermark prevention

1. Apply wax

Applying wax to your car’s paint can make it slippery enough for water to bounce or slide off the surface. That said, a little wax can go a long way and will provide your vehicle with a thin layer of protection against water spots.

2. Ceramic coating

Ceramic coating can be a good way to prevent your car from accumulating watermarks. These ceramic coats are usually hydrophobic and can help brush the water beads away from the paint.

Bottom line

Whether it’s because of rain or simply through poor car washing practices, your vehicle is bound to accumulate watermarks. That said, make sure to wipe your car dry whenever possible and always park in a sheltered spot.

Should your vehicle encounter severe watermark damages, it’s best to take it to a professional detailer to have the issue addressed.

Photos from Turtle Wax

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