Is It Normal for a New Car to Have Swirl Marks?
3 Answers
It is normal for a new car to have swirl marks, which are minor scratches on the paint surface. These fine scratches are usually caused during car washing and are only visible under sunlight. They remain on the clear coat layer and can be removed through simple polishing. However, it is not recommended for car owners to polish frequently, as this will reduce the thickness of the clear coat layer and, over time, lead to a decrease in the gloss of the car's paint surface. The car's paint surface consists of several layers from the inside out: the electrophoretic layer, the primer layer, the base coat layer, and the clear coat layer. The electrophoretic layer is used for rust prevention. After forming the electrophoretic layer on the car body surface, robots spray the primer layer, which also serves as rust protection and enhances adhesion to the next paint layer. The base coat layer primarily serves an aesthetic purpose, while the clear coat layer on top protects the base coat and enhances the gloss of the car's paint surface.
It's quite normal for a new car to have swirl marks. I bought a new SUV last year and noticed those fine spiral marks under sunlight after driving it for about half a year. These are mostly caused by car washing, such as using stiff brushes at self-service car washes or dust particles on towels that create micro-scratches. It doesn't affect the car's performance at all—the brakes and engine work perfectly fine—it's just visually unappealing. If you want to fix it, professional polishing can remove them, followed by waxing for UV protection. When washing your car, use soft sponges and pH-neutral detergents, and avoid washing under direct sunlight—less dust means fewer scratches. In short, this isn't a major issue; treat it as normal wear and tear, and don't let small things ruin the joy of driving your new car.
Swirl marks are common on new cars, often appearing after a few car washes. As someone who frequently maintains their vehicle, I've found these are primarily caused by improper washing techniques, such as high-pressure water jet impacts or scratches from low-quality tools. Prevention is simpler than repair: hand wash with microfiber cloths and avoid silicone-based car shampoos; for repair, mild polishing compounds can be used, but avoid frequent applications to prevent damaging the underlying coating. Initial appearance on new cars usually doesn't indicate manufacturing defects unless occurring extensively. Remember, regular waxing protects the paint and prolongs that fresh look. Driving performance remains unaffected, so no need to worry.
