What to Do If Small Black Dots on Car Paint Cannot Be Wiped Off?

[Beau]

If the small black dots on the car paint are asphalt, you can use a tar remover to clean them. If the small black dots are caused by impurities such as bird droppings, you can spray car wash liquid or glass cleaner on the affected area. For small black dots formed by iron particles, you can purchase a professional iron particle remover. If none of the above methods can effectively remove the small black dots, you can use polishing to eliminate them.

[Joel]

Last time, some small black dots appeared on my car's paint, and no matter how hard I tried to wipe them off, they wouldn't budge—really annoying. From my experience, these are mostly tree sap, tar, or industrial fallout stuck on the paint surface. Scrubbing hard can scratch the paint, so you need to use a car clay bar: first, wash the car thoroughly, then gently glide the clay over the wet paint to lift the contaminants. If that doesn’t work well, switch to a tar remover spray on a soft cloth and wipe the affected area. If left untreated, these black dots can etch into the clear coat and become stubborn stains. I recommend checking your car weekly and avoiding parking under trees or near construction sites. After washing, applying wax to form a protective layer can prevent new spots from forming—saving both money and hassle. Remember, never use steel wool or abrasive tools to scrape, as they can leave permanent marks.

[DelMorgan]

I think black spots on car paint are quite common, probably caused by dust settling from parking near factories. When cleaning by yourself, avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damaging the paint. Try using water with a microfiber cloth to gently wipe. If that doesn’t work, buy an automotive cleaning paste or clay bar online—it’s easy to use: apply and clean in clockwise circles. For prevention, I usually wash my car monthly with cleaning foam to soften dirt or park in shaded areas to avoid tree sap. If there are too many black spots, the paint might already be damaged. In that case, applying some car wax can help cover them, or you can seek professional detailing for polishing, which can also restore the car’s shine.

[RoseMarie]

I'm worried about the paint aging as I found black spots on the surface that can't be wiped off. Those small black spots are usually caused by acid rain or bird droppings corrosion. Don't scrub hard to avoid scratching. After washing the car, test a small area with a mild cleaner first, and only use it extensively if it doesn't damage the paint. If ineffective, it might be an issue with the clear coat layer, and it's recommended to visit a professional shop for polishing machine treatment. Usually, pay attention to parking in an indoor garage to reduce exposure to pollution, and regularly wax the car after washing to maintain paint health.