How to Prevent Water Spots After Washing Your Car

Water spots usually come from:

• Hard water minerals – calcium and magnesium are left behind when water dries.
• Washing in direct sun – panels heat up and water dries too quickly.
• Slow drying – leaving the car wet while you finish the rest of the wash.
• Sprinklers or overspray – driveway or street water hitting your car after you’ve cleaned it.

Any time water sits and dries on the surface, it has a chance to leave a mark.

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You don’t need fancy tools — just better habits:

• Wash in the shade or during cooler parts of the day.
• Rinse one section at a time so water doesn’t sit too long.
• Use clean microfiber drying towels instead of letting the car “air dry.”
• Dry from top to bottom so water isn’t dripping down onto areas you already finished.
• If possible, use filtered or softened water for the final rinse.

These small steps greatly reduce water sitting on the paint and help keep your finish spot-free.

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If spots appear, remove them early — and book a professional wash if needed.