Does having swirl marks on a new car have any impact?
2 Answers
Swirl marks on a new car have no impact and may be caused during car washing. Swirl marks are minor scratches on the paint surface that are only visible under sunlight. These fine scratches are on the clear coat layer and can be removed with simple polishing. A car's body paint consists of four layers, from the inside out: the electrocoat layer, primer layer, base coat layer, and clear coat layer. The electrocoat layer is for rust prevention; the primer layer also prevents rust and enhances adhesion to the next layer; the base coat layer primarily serves an aesthetic purpose; and the clear coat layer is a transparent paint layer.
Sun swirl marks on a new car can indeed be a bit annoying, but it's primarily a cosmetic issue. Sun swirls are those fine scratches on the paint surface that appear as swirl-like patterns under sunlight, usually caused by friction during washing or transportation. As a long-time car owner who has encountered this issue several times with brand-new cars, I understand the frustration—it feels like you're not getting your money's worth. The real impact is that they reduce the paint's gloss, affecting the overall aesthetic appeal, and may slightly lower the resale value. Fortunately, they don't involve mechanical performance, so driving and safety remain unaffected. My advice is to inspect the paint upon delivery; if sun swirls are present, a light polish followed by a protective wax layer can restore the shine immediately. Over time, if left untreated, dust and UV rays may deepen the marks, accelerating paint aging. For prevention, use soft tools and pH-neutral cleaners when washing, and avoid parking under direct sunlight. Overall, it's not a major issue, but having a flawless new car certainly brings peace of mind.
