A question about washing the Mustang - The Mustang Source

Will3212 · 5/1/12, 10:08 PM

I have a 2012 mustang in the red candy metallic color. I been trying to get rid of this black grime that's on my car. It's like small black dots about less than half an inch big. They're all over the hood of the car and just a little bit on the sides. If I rub hard I can get rid of them but it's difficult to rub really hard on every single grime dot. I have tried putting it through the car wash to no avail. I tried using a high pressure hose and car wash soap from autozone and it didn't work. I was thinking about a different type of soap. Any suggestions what I should do to get rid of the grime and restore my paint?

BB3 · 5/1/12, 10:10 PM

I high quality clay bar kit like Meguiars, or an equivalent should do the trick for you my friend.
-----Bill

LightStang · 5/1/12, 10:44 PM

Here is a quick instruction vid on how to use a claybar

Adam's Polishes Vol. 7 - Chapter 11 - Detail Claying Your Car - YouTube

tygr1 · 5/2/12, 7:46 AM

Try some WD-40 on the spots first. Seriously.

DontShoot · 5/2/12, 9:40 AM

I believe what you're talking about are the spores from Artillery Fungus.

http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/d/d/ddd2/

In my experience, a softer clay works better than the harder clays.

Also, having a good coat of wax / sealer really helps. Washing the car weekly helps. Parking the car away from any mulch will help prevent the problem. Do NOT let the spores sit on your car for too long. This is fungus we're dealing with. It will grow on or into any surface it can get a hold on. My detailer has photos of a white truck (before and after) that had the spores sit on the paint for too long and the spores actually started growing down INTO the clear coat.

**adrenalin** · 5/2/12, 9:59 AM

Moved to the car care section and as others have stated, a clay bar should do the trick.

MarcHarris · 5/2/12, 10:20 AM

I'd recommend trying a wax and grease remover, or another solvent based cleaner. Because your paint is catalyzed, you don't have to worry about taking it off with such products, and they'll work very effectively meaning rubbing and pressure won't be a factor which reduces chances to scratch and swirl your paint.