Hard-water spots on the Highveld

Gauteng water carries a lot of calcium and magnesium. When a droplet dries on warm paint, the water leaves and the minerals stay — and in summer sun they etch into the clear coat if you leave them. Fresh spots wipe off; old ones need more work, and the long-term fix is a protected, slick surface that sheds water before it can dry.

1. 1

   Test on fresh spots

   Mist Quick Detailer onto a cool panel and wipe. Fresh mineral spots usually lift straight off.

2. 2

   Stubborn spots: rewash and dry fast

   Wash the panel with Pure Wash, rinse, and dry immediately with a plush towel before the sun can dry it for you.

3. 3

   Still there? It is etched

   If the outline remains after washing, the minerals have etched into the clear coat. That needs machine polishing — book a Powerhouse detail rather than scrubbing harder.

4. 4

   Protect so it does not happen again

   Ceramic Shield makes water bead and roll off, so far fewer droplets dry in place. Rinses become self-drying.

   Bay tip · Never let a car air-dry after a rinse on the Highveld. Even sprinkler overspray will spot a dark car.

5. 5

   Watch your sprinklers

   Garden sprinklers and pool overflow are the most common source of spots on parked cars. Move the car or the sprinkler.