What are the white spots on car paint?
2 Answers
White spots on car paint are caused by paint or oxides. Here is the relevant information: 1. Formation of white spots: These are likely caused by dust accumulated while driving, tree sap falling when parked under trees, or white paint sprayed during nearby construction work. 2. Additional information: Methods to remove white spots: Using polishing wax, quick stain remover wax, bug and tar remover, or alcohol wipes can clean the white spots on car paint. Among these, clay bar is often considered the least effective, but in reality, it works quite well. If there is surface resin that feels like sandpaper to the touch, using a clay bar a few times can completely clean it. Additionally, colored streaks on car paint after rain, similar to oxidation, cannot be removed by polishing wax or bug and tar removers.
White spots on car paint are mostly caused by acidic substances like bird droppings or tree sap corroding the paint surface. I've encountered this several times since buying my car—parking under trees for just a few days resulted in white spots appearing, looking like mold stains, which is quite unpleasant. If not cleaned promptly, these substances can seep in and potentially damage the deeper paint layers. Additionally, water stains can also cause similar issues, especially after rain followed by sunlight, as the minerals in the water dry and leave white marks. I recommend gently wiping the affected area with warm water and a neutral detergent, avoiding the use of hard objects to scrape, as this could scratch the paint and make it worse. Regularly waxing the car for protection is quite effective—doing it at least twice a year can reduce such problems. If the white spots are stubborn, it's best to seek professional polishing at a specialized shop to avoid turning it into a permanent issue that could affect resale value.