Continued smears on new car

amf

I've just got myself a new (delivery miles) Zafira - metallic blue in colour. Dealer was Arnold Clark (yuk, I know, but car has its warranty) who got the car out within 2 days of ordering.

Problem noticed after first wash - at one of these hand wash places - there seamed to be soap smears all over the car's paintwork. I thought it was just down to them not rinsing the car properly. I've had it washed several times since - hand wash, mechanical wash and dry - it still leaves these white smears. I tried drying it off after a jet wash today, but its as bad as ever. Just to clarify - it actually looks cleaner when its dirty rather than when it has the smears

I've never had this problem with a car before. I'm guessing that it might be to do with the fact that the car was put out so quickly, possibly without proper preparation?

Any suggestions what I can do to get rid of this problem?

fergies_army

Get yourself over the detailing world forum for tips on how to look after your new paintwork.

"Hand car wash places" and mechanical washes will wreck your paintwork, it may now be full of swirls and scratches.

I would recommend a good wash (yourself) and then clay the car to remove everything and start again, sounds like poor dealer prep causing your problems but im sure a more experience detailer will be along to advise better.

propaintballa

Yeh agreed with the above. You really want to avoid car washes and hand car washes at all costs tbh. Also, if you end up doing it, get a nice microfibre cleaner instead of a sponge, sponges hold the dirt they pick up therefore scratching the paintwork and causing swirl marks.

Try post some pictures up here if you can.

amf

Thanks folks :beer:

I have been over to detailing world and its clear that I've a lot to learn :eek: Any ideas about the best places to get a hold of decent lambswool mit, microfibre mit and microfibre towel or should I just follow the recommendations on detailing world?

I've had the car for 5 weeks now so its had about 5 washes. The most recent one this morning has resulted in the least marking - because we dried it with (cheap) microfibre cloths, I assume. I've uploaded some pics, but bear in mind previous markings have been 10 times worse, because we've not hand dried the car.

http://tinypic.com/r/29os7k9/5

http://tinypic.com/r/312wwzr/5

http://tinypic.com/r/ohtile/5

I've never had this type of problem with any car in the past and I've regularly visited mechanical and hand wash places.

fergies_army

amf wrote: »

Thanks folks :beer:

I have been over to detailing world and its clear that I've a lot to learn :eek: Any ideas about the best places to get a hold of decent lambswool mit, microfibre mit and microfibre towel or should I just follow the recommendations on detailing world?

I've had the car for 5 weeks now so its had about 5 washes. The most recent one this morning has resulted in the least marking - because we dried it with (cheap) microfibre cloths, I assume. I've uploaded some pics, but bear in mind previous markings have been 10 times worse, because we've not hand dried the car.

http://tinypic.com/r/29os7k9/5

http://tinypic.com/r/312wwzr/5

http://tinypic.com/r/ohtile/5

I've never had this type of problem with any car in the past and I've regularly visited mechanical and hand wash places.

Your right there is alot to learn just getting into detailing myself and its a bit of a minefield, be warned becomes very obsessive and costs alot with all the products! However think its worth it especially after spending lots on a new car!
There are quite a few reccomended dealers for products on detailing world such as clean your car, i4detailing to name a couple or there is always ebay and last resort if want ripping off halfords!!

The first picture looks like water marks from not drying properly. Im no expert but the white streaks look like some sort of wax has started to come off and has run during washing process!!

Best bet is to try a strongish all purpose cleaner over the marks, clean with a decent car shampoo and dry with a good drying towel then go over the car with a clay bar (you will be surprised what comes off). Hopefully this will sort it!!

Could always join detailing world and post the pics sure one of the pros will solve the problem!!

colino

If its a new car, stop messing about with it and get it booked in for an inspection under warranty. The car could have suffered from anything from bad initial preparation to damage in the compound or simply transit wax poorly removed. Be polite despite their nonsense (AC warranty clerks especially seem to take an inordinate pride in being obstructive) and get the car looking like it should. Do too much by yourself and they will say you have damaged it.

amf

colino wrote: »

If its a new car, stop messing about with it and get it booked in for an inspection under warranty. The car could have suffered from anything from bad initial preparation to damage in the compound or simply transit wax poorly removed. Be polite despite their nonsense (AC warranty clerks especially seem to take an inordinate pride in being obstructive) and get the car looking like it should. Do too much by yourself and they will say you have damaged it.

Yes, in all the cicumstances, I agree that this is my best course of action. I'll report the outcome.

Thanks all :kisses:

davemorton

Clean the car with a hot solution of water/washing up liquid, then was with a decent car shampoo (not one with 'in built wax') then dry the car. Once car is dry, use a good quality wax (or even a cheap one to keep you going!)

banger9365

i would not us a chamois leather,us a micro fiber towel one for roof and one for each sides and one for back and front
and not wasing up liquid

savemoney

I get smears on my green metallic ford focus but they not permanent, I find it shows the dirt very easily too

I tend to wash car with warm water with car wash and then rinse and use a micro fibre large cloth, dont use chammy as they can be pain to dry with when dry so you keep damp but then they stink, micro fibre cloth just as good

I dont wash in full sun either overcast day tends to be good time or when its reasonable nice but not hot

Inactive

It looks like the protective transit coating hasn't been cleaned off properly by the supplying dealer.

Take it back to them.