Not sure these marks, water spots maybe?

[jeepngli]

Figured I would see what you guys think. Bought the car in 2009 and at some point I noticed I had what appears to be water spots on the vinyls. Started out with just a few but now it seems to be a few more. They aren't as noticeably in the sun but under the fluorescent light in garage you can see them. They don't have any feel to them when you touch them.


One thought is that its just the vinyl breaking down. Things to mention are that I never leave water on the car without drying, never sees rain, never wash the car when the engine is hot, etc.



Curious if any detailers out there have seen this and have tried any products to correct. I've been very careful not to put stuff on the vinyl in hopes it won't get worst. There are vinyls on the sides and back of the car, but no spots.

 

[WhyteWizard]

Put some vinegar on them and see if they foam. If they do, then they're water spots.
Don't wax over water spots, the wax protects them.

Robert

 

[jeepngli]

The vinegar won't stain or strip the vinyl? I can give that shot after the weekend.

I always keep the wax away. Even when I clay bar, I masking tape off the edges of the vinyls so that I don't get any on. Maybe I'm too overprotective ?

 

[WhyteWizard]

Regular vinegar should be fine but you can test on an inconspicuous area first.
Robert

 

[rlmccarty2000]

Hate to say it, but it looks like the vinyl is deteriorating. You should be able to feel it with your finger. I see one place that doesn't look like any water spot I have ever seen. I hope I am wrong. I don't believe it can be fixed by a product or buffing.

 

[kenny.bacon]

Hate to say it, but it looks like the vinyl is deteriorating. You should be able to feel it with your finger. I see one place that doesn't look like any water spot I have ever seen. I hope I am wrong. I don't believe it can be fixed by a product or buffing.

That was my intuition as well. I do hope it's water spots though as it would be cool to get them out. Good luck mate.

 

[trashmanssd]

with non visible on the blue paint (or at least non we can see in that light / picture) I would lean towards a vinyl problem. Can always get new vinyl applied not that expensive (cheaper then paint and no over spray worries). Cant hurt to try few things on it as if its a problem with vinyl degradation then it already needs to be replaced so more damage on the vinyl is meaningless.