Does Rain Damage Car Paint?
2 Answers
Rain can affect car paint and cause corrosion. Rainwater is slightly acidic, and if a vehicle is left wet from rain without being washed for an extended period, the concentration of acidic substances in localized areas can increase, eventually corroding the paint. More details are as follows: 1. When rainwater falls on the paint surface, it spreads into a thin film due to dust on the car's surface. This dust mixes with the rainwater to form a layer of mud, which absorbs water and creates a water film on the paint. Besides making the car dirtier, this accelerates the erosion of the paint by acid rain. 2. Water stains from rain are often most noticeable on the car's hood. This is because the engine generates significant heat when the car is running, causing rainwater to evaporate quickly and leave behind water marks. If these marks penetrate deeply, waxing alone may not remove them, and a visit to a car detailing shop for polishing with a finishing wax may be necessary.
I used to not understand the impact of rainwater on car paint either, but after working as a car wash assistant for a year, I realized there are quite a few issues. Rainwater contains acidic substances, especially near industrial areas. If left parked outdoors for a week, you can already see white water stain marks. If there are scratches on the paint, these acidic water can seep directly into the primer, and over time, the entire paint surface can bubble and peel off. The situation is even worse in summer with high temperatures and rain exposure, as the oxidation rate of the paint surface doubles. One owner didn’t dry their convertible in time after getting caught in the rain, and the entire car turned yellow within six months. Now, I always park my car in the garage on rainy days, or at least cover it with a car cover if that’s not possible. I also wax my car monthly to form a protective film on the paint surface. If I notice water stains, I immediately use a neutral detergent to clean them—never use laundry detergent, as it can corrode the paint.