Vinegar and Water spots

[06-4ReeDiver]

First of all, I did a search on this forum and found out that to get rid of water spots, you use vinegar and guess what it works great. I wanted to post this to give props to the people that reccomended 1/2 white distilled vinegar and 1/2 clean water on FRESH water spots will get rid of it. It worked on my new 06 4Runners hood!
I am also posting to ask a question. My friend told me that the vinegar is bad for the clearcoat...is this true? Also, if I put a good coat of wax on my car is this gonna help prevent water spots? I just found out that the overhead sprinkler system in our underground garage is leaking intermittenly and depending on where I park I come out at the end of the day to find water spots on my hood and various parts of my 4Runner. I had a older coat of wax of and it didn't help prevent the water spots (but the vinegar did..amazing stuff, as long as you use it fresh, didn't help with some older spots that were there before i got it from the dealer). Anyway to prevent those damn water spots from getting a hold on my 4runner? Thanks.

 

[jharris2]

Vinegar is a mild acid (acetic acid, if I remember my chemistry classes) so it will likely strip wax. If you left it sitting on the clearcoat, it would probably damage it, too. Best to rinse it off right away.

A good wax job should help prevent water spots. But the most important thing is to not let the water sit on the finish, if possible. You may want to try to get to the garage early enough to get a spot away from the leaks.

 

[06-4ReeDiver]

Thanks, I sprayed on the vinegar mixture and immediately buffed it with a microfiber towel and it worked wonders. Then I washed my car and put on two layers of McGuires Paint Sealant (This stuff is the absolute best!). I wish I could find a place that didn't leak, but parkings a premium so I will have to wipe off what I can as soon as I see it..thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[kimboy]

Just use a good clay bar and lubricant and say good bye to water spots. Works wonders for your windsheild to. you know the portion that the wipers don't wipe.