Help: can't remove exterior stains

[M3IN V8]

So here in the mid atlantic we've had a really cold winter with a decent amount of snow and ridiculous amounts of salt on the roads and i've been washing the car about every 2 weeks to get the salt off, as I was doing this last weekend I discovered some salt-like spots but they wouldn't come off, despite using a lot of force with a microfiber towel I just couldn't seem to get it off. I tried goo gone, a bug and tar remover, as well as some dishsoap but to no avail. The same substance is on the rear window and short of scratching it off with my finger nails, nothing worked. Please see picture below. It is hard to the touch and sits like a layer on top of the clear coat. I thought maybe it was from driving underneath and underpass that was heavily treated with salt ( as I park my car in a garage at home and at work) however after walking around the parking garage in my apartment complex tonight I saw vehicles with similar spots on their cars.. There was a burst pipe at my apartment complex a couple of weeks ago so there was some water leaking through the ceiling but not over my parking spot so I didn't think anything of it.. what could it be and how can I remove it? Is it damaging to the paint? Thanks in advance..any advice/info is appciated

[M3IN V8]

Another..

[s85e90]

Before reading through the whole thread I wondered if this car is parked in a concrete, underground garage? Almost looks just like that, water leaking from the apt. garage has stained the paint.

[rjd598]

Polish should work

[M3IN V8]

Originally Posted by s85e90

Before reading through the whole thread I wondered if this car is parked in a concrete, underground garage? Almost looks just like that, water leaking from the apt. garage has stained the paint.

Yes that is exactly what it is. Any ideas of how to remove it? I can't be the only one with this issue

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by M3IN V8

Yes that is exactly what it is. Any ideas of how to remove it? I can't be the only one with this issue

i just told you...try compound/polish

[Hagasan41]

What rjd598 suggested. For the windows I'd use a flat razor blade and a foaming type window cleaner to help prevent scratches if you aren't careful with the razor.

You also may want to use a claybar. To help prevent the issue in the future make sure you uses a qulaity sealant on the paint. Good luck!

[1MOREMOD]

My stains are usually in the trunk area.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

My stains are usually in the trunk area.

I told you to use a tarp. Which one left it?

[1MOREMOD]

Hard to say they move around some.

[fastmike]

I would try some water spot remover, those are designed to break those types of mineral deposits down.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by fastmike

I would try some water spot remover, those are designed to break those types of mineral deposits down.

that's a good suggestion, but you need to be careful what kind you get. since there are different levels of water spots you might end up getting a water spot remover for lighter stains and that most likely won't help op.

once again stick with polish/compound.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by rjd598

that's a good suggestion, but you need to be careful what kind you get. since there are different levels of water spots you might end up getting a water spot remover for lighter stains and that most likely won't help op.

once again stick with polish/compound.

This is all that will work; the stains look pretty far etched into the paint. Megs 105 is easy enough to try by hand on one of the stains to see if it is aggressive enough.

[Dkcarspa]

I can send you sample of carpro's water spot remover. let me know...

[M3IN V8]

Thanks for all the input guys, suppose to get some more snow tomorrow but will give the clay bar a try this weekend. Here's hoping it'll work!

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by M3IN V8

Thanks for all the input guys, suppose to get some more snow tomorrow but will give the clay bar a try this weekend. Here's hoping it'll work!

Since these are likely lime (calcium carbonate) deposits from the water passing through a concrete structure, I would not use clay on the stains. On the glass, I would start with a mild acid like LCR brand cleaner (grocery store item) and finish with a rubbing compound or glass polish (DP Glass Restorer is very good; see Autogeek.com). With the paint I would try some liquid rubbing compound like Meguiars Ultimate Compound. Could start by leaving a rag soaked in vinegar on the affected area to soften the lime deposits.

Definitely wouldn't park it there again when there's any chance of rain or snow!

[Amirsm3]

Or invest in a car cover that's "waterproof" one you've got the car's paint in order.

[M3IN V8]

So I was finally able to remove these horrible calcium deposits using a water/vinegar mix. I tried Meguiar's Ultimate compound as well as a clay bar but to no avail. Then I decided to give the vinegar approach a go, I let it soak in a vinegar/water solution for a couple of minutes and used a microfiber towel (with some force) and after repeating this step multiple times, it went away. I had a word with the building manager yesterday and they assured me that they would cover any costs necessary to remove the deposits and would look into fixing the issue (they've had 1 other complaint). In the meantime, I will have to keep a close eye on it and be sure to have some detailer handy so next time I can remove it before it hardens. Anyways, thanks for all your help and suggestions and I hope that this helps anyone with similar issues