New Car Paint Stain

**Pilot** · 06-05-2006, 10:00 PM

I noticed some stains on or possibly in the paint on a new 06 Hond Pilot I just purchased. The stains are located on the sides of the SUV just behind each tire well. The pattern and location of the stains are as if the car was drivin through a puddle. The painted surface is still very smooth like a new car should be, but it has light brown colored splash stains. Any ideas on what this stain could be from and how to correct it would be greatly appreciated.

The dealer is going to try to a clay polish on it to remove the stains. From reading about clay on this site, clay is really used to remove metal deposits on surfaces that feel rough. If the surface is smooth, will the clay be effective?

Please help. I've an anxious wife that wants to drive her new car!

**DS Detailer** · 06-05-2006, 10:03 PM

Pictures?

**Pilot** · 06-05-2006, 10:09 PM

Sorry. No pictures. I immediately took it back to the dealership.

**Neothin** · 06-05-2006, 10:10 PM

clay might work, but i doubt it. personally, i would clay myself instead of letting the dealer do it (you don't really think those wash guys care about your finish, do you?).

If the claying doesn't work, go get some meguiar's deep crystal step 1. it's a chemical cleaner product that should be able to clear up those stains.

**TNM6i** · 06-06-2006, 02:20 PM

Is it possible that it's residue from the tire dressing used by the dealer? They usually apply it far to heavily and it tends to sling against the paintwork. Even if you wash it off, it can leave a stain that will need to be polished.

**Pilot** · 06-09-2006, 07:51 PM

Just to follow up, the clay polish didn't work. The dealer is repainting the areas.

**ScottB** · 06-09-2006, 08:20 PM

in some cases a contaminent could have gotten lodged in the paint between color and clear and impossible to remove without repaint. Polishing might lessen the look to others, but trust me you will ALWAYS know its there.

**Kelso** · 06-10-2006, 04:32 PM

my guess is they used some type of harsh cleaning product like a degreaser and let it sit a little while which will stain the paint. or quite possible some chemical on the tire like armor all sprayed off. if you JUST bought the car, tell them youd want a different one instead of the defective car

i wouldnt want one that had to be repainted. i think the factory would do a better job than the stealership

**BlackCoupe** · 06-10-2006, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Kelso

my guess is they used some type of harsh cleaning product like a degreaser and let it sit a little while which will stain the paint. or quite possible some chemical on the tire like armor all sprayed off. if you JUST bought the car, tell them youd want a different one instead of the defective car

i wouldnt want one that had to be repainted. i think the factory would do a better job than the stealership

Yup --DON'T GO WITH A REPAINT!!! They owe you a new car.