[NY-CA]

Just bought a brand new 2016 EX-T yesterday, but made the mistake of using a hose to wash off bird droppings and let the car air dry. Now the hood and plastic grill have lots of water spots.

Any recommendation on getting rid of them without damaging the paint? Or is it better to bring it to a Honda dealership and get it washed/detailed?

 

[Becky]

Wash and towel dry. Hard water leaves mineral deposits. Just give it a wash and dry. Should be good to go.

 

[Jesstzn]

Depends on your water .. They might need polishing to remove them if they etched .

 

[B20Vtec]

You could try to use some polishing compound on a micro fiber to spot remove them, nothing too abrasive though, maybe some m205 from Meguiars

 

[CivicDuty]

Clay bars are non abrasive and will remove just about anything.

 

[Smith]

Clay bars are non abrasive and will remove just about anything.

Clay bar is it. Best investment too. Usually you'll pay about $20 for a kit that comes with 1-2 bars, a spray and a microfiber rag.

It even works well with stuck on bugs, just about the toughest thing to remove.

 

[B20Vtec]

Ah silly me, Those slipped my mind. Yes clay bar, some sort of lubricant, and you'll be golden.

 

[Jesstzn]

Clay bar is useless on water spots if they are etched at all ? You can spot try white vinegar and if that doesnt work your into a polish. Least agressive first.

 

[B20Vtec]

Neutralize the calcium hydroxide with the household vinegar is the easiest and cheapest first attempt. Typically works, not too sure how long the minerals have been sitting there

 

[Smith]

Clay bar is useless on water spots if they are etched at all ? You can spot try white vinegar and if that doesnt work your into a polish. Least agressive first.

yeah that's actually a good point since clay bar is usually good for removing things on the surface of the paint but not really embed which those spots are. In that case a compound or something that acts like a compound should work.

Keep us posted on how it goes.

 

[4Tires]

Aren't there water spot removers out there people can use?

 

[B20Vtec]

I know Meguiars has one, but if you can avoid paying $14.99 and use something you have at home... why not lol