Are Sun Swirls on Cars Unavoidable?
3 Answers
Sun swirls on cars can be avoided with regular maintenance, as their occurrence is a normal phenomenon. Sun swirls are minor scratches on the paint surface that are only clearly visible under sunlight. If the sun swirls are not severe, they can be treated with scratch repair wax for car paint. For small areas, toothpaste can also be used for gentle rubbing, but care should be taken with the intensity. If there are multiple scratches, polishing can be performed using the correct polishing techniques, preferably by professional detailing shops. Minor scratches remain on the clear coat and can be removed with simple polishing. However, frequent polishing is not recommended for car owners as it reduces the thickness of the clear coat, which over time can lead to a decrease in the glossiness of the car's paint. When cleaning the car, special wax pencils or soft brushes should be used, and the car body should not be wiped dry to avoid scratches from small particles of grit. Before washing the car, rinse the surface with clean water, scrub after removing grit, and ensure that the washing tools are clean to avoid carrying grit. Before polishing, ensure the car body is clean and use proper polishing techniques.
As someone who has been paying long-term attention to car detailing, I believe swirl marks are almost inevitable. The particles in wash cloths during regular car washes, scratches from tree branches, and even acid rain erosion can gradually create spiral-shaped scratches on the paint. From my experience, these marks are especially noticeable on dark-colored cars and stand out glaringly under sunlight. However, you can significantly delay their formation by doing the following: use the two-bucket wash method weekly to ensure the wash mitt is absolutely clean; apply a sealant or coating every quarter; and try to park away from tree branches and windy, sandy areas. I’ve seen car enthusiasts who stick to these practices maintain 90% of their paint’s like-new condition even after five years—the key is developing protective habits.
I used to wonder why new cars would be covered in swirl marks after just six months of use. Later, I learned it's directly related to the paint structure. The clear coat is actually more fragile than imagined—daily exposure to wind-blown grit is like sandpaper grinding the surface. I've tried various protection methods: paint protection film works best but is too expensive, while regular waxing only lasts a month. My current solution is using Chemical Guys ceramic coating monthly, paired with dedicated car shampoo. After two years, the swirl marks have significantly reduced. Remember to never use automatic car wash rotating brushes—they're practically swirl mark generators.
