Hi all,

Just washed my car this afternoon (WDP), and when I was drying it off, I noticed there were a bunch of tiny little brown spots on the door panels. I'm pretty sure it's not rust b/c I can scratch them off with my finger nail. I'm just curious to know what it is or what is causing it. Has anyone else had this happen?

 

Do an internet search for "rail dust". Its on all cars but very visible on white. After you get it removed it will come back again.

 

I've never heard of that before. I've taken my car to the dealership regarding it, as well as a local detail shop. Neither one of them could figure out what it was. I have used a clay bar in the past to remove it. I guess I'll be doing it again!! You would think a coat of wax would prevent this from happening though...?

 

I have a white Nissan and even after a good wax the tiny ferrous particles still stick to metal and plastic body parts and have to be removed manually. Clay bar didn't work too well for me. I end up using polishing compound followed by a coat of wax every 6 months.

 

I use Turtle Wax Bug & Tar remover to get them off my wifes WDP TL. Ya they bug me too, but you have to get real close to see them.

 

two words... clay bar...

 

I tried to clay bar it this afternoon and it didn't remove them at all, I think they may have faded slightly but they're still there. What kind of polish did you use? Was it for consumers or was it a professional polish?q

 

Use a polishing compound labled "safe for clear coat finishes". I used Turtle wax. I used a wet rag to apply it. The spots will all come off but now you've lost your shine. Reapply wax. Remember dont use rubbing compound its too abrasive.

 

meguiars m105 and m205..

i think thats the best thing on the market... as far is trying to correct any imperfection on the car. even removes swirls.. but wont work if you dont have a dual action buffer.

 

I will have a look at Canadian Tire tomorrow and see what Meguiar's has for a polishing compound. I know they have a rubbing compound but that would be too much. After you did this, do the spots still come back?

 

Yeah that stuff would be best for sure. I don't have a buffer so whatever I do it will be by hand. If I can't remove it, I will be bringing it to a detailer. I'm trying to avoid this though if possible, since it's the expensive route for sure.

 

I'm pretty certain this rust is from the braking system. I have a white Odyssey, and had a white TL for years and both cars showed this. Note where the spots are located, typically on the door panels and the back of the car. The brakes shed metal particles when used, and they tend to stick to the panels and rust. Easily removed, but you need to keep on top of it.

My new TL is black, no worries there! just water spots and scratches!