Dealership left my car next to a water sprinkler

[FusionM]

Hello guys,

I went in on Thursday morning to obtain the infamous DCT upgrade, left it there till Saturday and found the car with water spots over half-an-inch in size. It covered the entire car with white dots. They took the car to wash off the spots but the etching still remains on the paint and the shadowline trim is ruined.

Today, I attempted to remove a water spot by using a zaino clay bar but had no success. What would you guys do?

Thanks for your input.

Note: I left the car there till Saturday because I didn't have time to get it Friday since I live an hour and half away.

[RandyB]

Hard water deposits from sprinkler systems can be a bear to remove safely. Try using a 50/50 mix of water and white distilled vinegar with a microfiber towel. Worst case, you have someone who is experienced machine polish your car to lift what is left of the etching. Good luck with your car.

[watrob]

Take it back to the dealer, it will take them 5 mins to clean it up.

[Rick]

Did you confront the dealership about it? They should pay for a full exterior detail IMO.

Also, you can try CG Water Spot remover

http://www.detailedimage.com/Chemica...medium=organic

[FusionM]

I did confront the dealership. They wanted to give me a full detail but I wasn't so sure to let them have it since I needed the car back. Have you personally used the CG Water Spot remover?

Originally Posted by rickc

Did you confront the dealership about it? They should pay for a full exterior detail IMO.

Also, you can try CG Water Spot remover

http://www.detailedimage.com/Chemica...medium=organic

[MrHarris]

Let them detail it for you!

[HotLap]

Originally Posted by rickc

Did you confront the dealership about it? They should pay for a full exterior detail IMO.

Also, you can try CG Water Spot remover

http://www.detailedimage.com/Chemica...medium=organic

Rick - same question...I'd like to order this stuff if it works!! Every time I was my cars, you can always see subtle water spots on the paint and glass from when it sat unprotected in the dealer lot, etc....

[Singletrack]

If they have a detailing shop that you trust, have them do it for free. If not, call up the service manager, explain what happened, tell him that you need to have it pro detailed and you would like him to pay for it.

[Advskier]

Why not take it back and have them detail it? Guaranteed they did it after unloading it and before you took delivery.
I'm sure they would do a great job after messing the car up, just to get your confidence back.

[Rick]

I personally have not used the CG Water Spot Remover but have had the product demonstrated on my car by one of the guys at CG in Inglewood. The few water spots I had on the paint were successfully removed. I need to visit them again for some more products... Great company, helpful staff, and incredible products.

[eclipsisNA]

Originally Posted by rickc

I personally have not used the CG Water Spot Remover but have had the product demonstrated on my car by one of the guys at CG in Inglewood. The few water spots I had on the paint were successfully removed. I need to visit them again for some more products... Great company, helpful staff, and incredible products.

+1. I've used CG WaterSpot remover for quite some time. Really works miracles on all types of surfaces.

[signes]

Originally Posted by Advskier

Why not take it back and have them detail it? Guaranteed they did it after unloading it and before you took delivery.
I'm sure they would do a great job after messing the car up, just to get your confidence back.

This happened to my car and I'm still trying to get all the spotting out. Paint not so much of a problem, but there are really bad spots on on the rubber trim around the windows and the windows themselves are horrendous. Tried everything so far (vinegar, CLR, light polish) and nothing has worked. I have a feeling I will have to try a true glass polish with PC, total PITA. I may try the Chemical Guys product suggestion here and see how that goes.

[spectrumphoto]

go to your local water sport shop or boat dealership. They sell products that remove water spots safely. I think one of them is called "Ducky" or something. I used to use it for my Jet Skis when I had them.

Check the label though to make sure that they are paint safe, most of them are...

[Technic]

Originally Posted by rickc

Did you confront the dealership about it? They should pay for a full exterior detail IMO.

Also, you can try CG Water Spot remover

http://www.detailedimage.com/Chemica...medium=organic

Thanks for the link...

[jaay11]

Originally Posted by FusionM3

Hello guys,

I went in on Thursday morning to obtain the infamous DCT upgrade, left it there till Saturday and found the car with water spots over half-an-inch in size. It covered the entire car with white dots. They took the car to wash off the spots but the etching still remains on the paint and the shadowline trim is ruined.

Today, I attempted to remove a water spot by using a zaino clay bar but had no success. What would you guys do?

Thanks for your input.

Note: I left the car there till Saturday because I didn't have time to get it Friday since I live an hour and half away.

Bummer dude....

I hate when the cost of someone's negligence is passed on to me

Hope it doesn't cost too much to remove....lots of good advice posted here. Worst case, I'd force them to do the full detail and then I'd inspect the hell out of the car when you pick it up. Take pics if you have to but it should not come to that.

Good luck!

[FusionM]

Update: I called them up this morning, talked to the Service Advisor to perform a full detail to remove the watermarks and replace the Shadowline Trim. Hopefully that will work.

Thanks for the responses fellas.

[TLud]

M, that SUCKS! Sorry to hear about that, and I hope your car gets fixed as good as new. You gotta start taking your car to Garlyn Shelton for servicing. They've always done a great job for me, and you won't have to drive an hour and a half to get there.

Will this affect your plans to join us this Saturday?

[Takumi587]

For water spots you definitely need to use a Polisher... And make sure they do not mar the paint on your vehicle! Remember that each time you polish the vehicle you are making the paint thinner! And they should replace the trim... BUT, I did have a customer of mine where the dealership actually caused more scratches where the trim was removed and that was truly a pain to remove the swirls off the paint. Best of luck to you! and make sure they are a highly respected detailing dealership.

[Heat00]

man, I found the same problem this week.
just noticed while I was doing a coat of Zanio all in one...
halfway through I thought the AIO would get it out but no dice...
hated...
I may have to try this stuff in the link above...

[Heat00]

so I guess it's clay time???

I'm scared that I may mess up with this clay stuff.... but I'm thinking it will remove my water spots??

help please lol.....

[Z06_7.0l]

Originally Posted by Heat00

so I guess it's clay time???

I'm scared that I may mess up with this clay stuff.... but I'm thinking it will remove my water spots??

help please lol.....

Unfortunately clay wont remove water spots. Clay is only good for removing small debris particles from your paints clear coat.

I'll tell you what will remove water spots though. A porter cable 7424 with a white foam pad and some Optimum Poli-Seal or try some Zaino PC-Fusion. I like the Poli-Seal though better because its a cleaner and sealer in one.(also it will take care of light swirl marks)

Note you can use both these products by hand, it just takes alot longer.

[Heat00]

thx