Water Marks

[Waynes2016MkZ]

Anyone got tricks to keep water marks off their paint and windshields. Scared of getting them on the panoramic too

[BlackPano]

I use turtle wax ice spray on detailer and it does a nice job removing water marks and makes it easier to clean off new ones.

 

Windows I just use glass cleaner.

 

Also, I do all of my cleaning in the garage out of the sun to prevent new spots after a fresh wash. The sun and heat really make them show up quickly.

Edited July 29, 2015 by BlackPano

[tgara]

I think the best thing is to try and keep water spots from forming in the first place.  Those spots arise when water evaporates, leaving minerals behind and resulting in a spot.  I think BlackPano is on the right track, wash and dry the car in the shade if you can.  I have hard water at my house, so I follow this, as well as trying to dry the car as quickly as possible, especially on warm days, to minimize the chance of evaporation. 

 

After my car is washed and I am about to dry it, I will first use a California Water Blade to remove the big water puddles.  I start with the glass first, then move to the horizontal panels (hood, rear decklid, top), and follow up with the vertical surfaces.  I can remove most of the water in about 2 minutes using that thing.  Then I use a Microfiber towel to remove the rest of the water (about 5 minutes). 

 

For water spots that already exist, they usually come out with a light buffing with a detailing spray.  On more stubborn spots, a claybar is also very effective.

[Waynes2016MkZ]

Thanks everyone, I heard of this film they can put on your car now too. Its my 1st brand new car so I'm trying to take tge best care of it. Also I usually use Mcguires for cleaning

[drolds1]

I agree with BlackPano and tgara.  The best way to prevent water spots is to prevent them from forming in the first place.  Of course, that's not always possible or practical.  Rain may be followed by sun and you can't always be there to dry your car immediately before they evaporate.  That's why a good paint protectant is essential.  My car has three coats of Zaino products on it.  I have no issues with spotting.  They wash right off. After washing, I dry my cars with a leaf blower.  It's the only way to get water out of the nooks and crannies and out from under trim pieces, etc.  I get any leftover stray water off with a synthetic chamois.

 

Spots on the glass should wash off as well as long as there's not very heavy mineral content or there's no slight etching of the glass. In that case, there are products designed for removal such as this one, which I have in my arsenal.

 

IMO, the worst water spot offenders are lawn sprinklers.  Try to stay away from these at all costs. 

 

BTW, this topic is being moved to the Appearance forum; a more appropriate section.

Edited July 29, 2015 by drolds1

[Waynes2016MkZ]

Okay, Ill check there

[BlackPano]

A leaf blower, that sounds like something I would do haha

[Rusty Boltz]

My MKZ usually just needs a rinse to get the dust off, but I wash it at a coin operated, self service car wash and use the spot free rinse. Then I drive it the 3 miles to home and use a microfiber towel to get the remaining water drips off of it.

Spot free rinses vary by how the car wash operator maintains the equipment. The car wash I use isn't the closest, but the spot free rinse is very effective. If you're washing your car at home, you can buy purified water and get the same effect.

[rattln]

I use Rain-X on all of the glass.  I think this helps with the drying process.

[drolds1]

I use Rain-X on all of the glass.  I think this helps with the drying process.

 

I see you don't own an MKZ but for those that do and have the rain-sensing wipers, Rain-X is a no-no.

[bdegrand]

A leaf blower, that sounds like something I would do haha

I would stay away from a oil/gas blower, but instead use electric multi speed blower to avoid any oily film. It's great around moldings , head/tail lights,wheels, etc....gets out all the hidden water. I also recommend washing in early morning to avoid sunlight and allows time to dry off water and avoid spots.I use a heavy micro fibre drying towel. I just bought Ice Spray wax and did my entire car in very short time. No hard rubbing at my age, just Spray and wipe with a micro fibre polishing towel. I would love to get my hands on that tire dressing the dealer uses to make the tires look incredible. I currently use Tire Wet which is okay but dealer dressing is best!

[drolds1]

I would stay away from a oil/gas blower, but instead use electric multi speed blower to avoid any oily film. It's great around moldings , head/tail lights,wheels, etc....gets out all the hidden water. I also recommend washing in early morning to avoid sunlight and allows time to dry off water and avoid spots.I use a heavy micro fibre drying towel. I just bought Ice Spray wax and did my entire car in very short time. No hard rubbing at my age, just Spray and wipe with a micro fibre polishing towel. I would love to get my hands on that tire dressing the dealer uses to make the tires look incredible. I currently use Tire Wet which is okay but dealer dressing is best!

Yes, I use an electric blower. 

 

WRT tire dressing, whatever my dealer puts on the new cars for delivery shines for a few days and then it's gone.  I've tried quite a few dressings, both OTC and mail order, and have been disappointed. They're usually messy, attract dirt and sling off onto the sides of the car.  I stay away from anything silicone-based.  Currently, I'm using this.   I use a few Surf City Garage products.  I really like their stuff.  If you're a fan of the super shiny look, this isn't for you.  It gives a deep black "new tire" look and it's water-based so no mess and no sling-off.  If you like that shiny look, there are other choices.   They do have a new product called Black Edge, which gives a somewhat higher shine.

 

It's a matter of personal preference.

[bdegrand]

Yes, I use an electric blower. 

 

WRT tire dressing, whatever my dealer puts on the new cars for delivery shines for a few days and then it's gone.  I've tried quite a few dressings, both OTC and mail order, and have been disappointed. They're usually messy, attract dirt and sling off onto the sides of the car.  I stay away from anything silicone-based.  Currently, I'm using this.   I use a few Surf City Garage products.  I really like their stuff.  If you're a fan of the super shiny look, this isn't for you.  It gives a deep black "new tire" look and it's water-based so no mess and no sling-off.  If you like that shiny look, there are other choices.   They do have a new product called Black Edge, which gives a somewhat higher shine.

 

It's a matter of personal preference.

Agreed. I was looking at Turtle Wax Jet Black Endura Acrylic Shine which is claimed to keep shine longer than others. Problem is if any of it touches the wheel....it must be immediately washed off or it will stain the wheel! Yikes.

I place my order in 4 weeks for a 2016 MKZ and will ask the dealer what they use! Thanks.

[JAWMKZ]

With car in the shade, dab a little distilled white vinegar on the water stain. Then after a few minutes, lightly dab that with a "clean" microfiber and see if that solves your water stain problem. Also, try using a "clean" nylon bristle paint brush to apply tire dressing instead of the foam sponges, Gets in the letters better than the foam for a darker appearance. 

Edited August 6, 2015 by JAWMKZ

[bdegrand]

With car in the shade, dab a little distilled white vinegar on the water stain. Then after a few minutes, lightly dab that with a "clean" microfiber and see if that solves your water stain problem. Also, try using a "clean" nylon bristle paint brush to apply tire dressing instead of the foam sponges, Gets in the letters better than the foam for a darker appearance.

 

Good thought on the white vinegar...but it also requires a wax polish over on the area you cleaned, since vinegar cuts through any wax. White vinegar also works on any bug splatters on the front fascia. Edited August 6, 2015 by bdegrand

[BlackPano]

With car in the shade, dab a little distilled white vinegar on the water stain. Then after a few minutes, lightly dab that with a "clean" microfiber and see if that solves your water stain problem. Also, try using a "clean" nylon bristle paint brush to apply tire dressing instead of the foam sponges, Gets in the letters better than the foam for a darker appearance.

I've found that the cloth covered wax applicators work very well also with a natural look and no slinging.

[JayD]

With car in the shade, dab a little distilled white vinegar on the water stain. Then after a few minutes, lightly dab that with a "clean" microfiber and see if that solves your water stain problem. Also, try using a "clean" nylon bristle paint brush to apply tire dressing instead of the foam sponges, Gets in the letters better than the foam for a darker appearance. 

 

Vinegar WILL increase the risk of jacking up the paint.    Personally, the only time I ever used it, was on the Chrome Bumper of my 96 F-150 (not on plastic "chrome") to remove bugs like no bug and tar remover can.   For chrome, there is nothing better, just be careful when hosing off..   Vinegar and paint mixing, is a huge tempest in a teapot waiting to happen and I will never use it on our 2010 and 2015 MKZ's.

 

Someone mentioned using a California Water Blade.   Maybe on the windows, but having used one about seven years ago?   Too many issues can arise from the use of it on paint.   I now use microfiber.

 

Not so much criticizing as I am trying to prevent some from potentially causing damage.

[Donnyo]

Wash it with mother’s gold class speed wax with  anything. 

Edited February 17, 2021 by drolds1
Edited by moderator for tone.