Try diluted vinegar

Q1: I’m about to dispose a 1995 Proton Wira. My concern is the lame paint and rainspotted windshield & windows. Apart from going to a motorspa for complete polishing which could cost hundreds of ringgit, I intend to do it myself.

What is the best technique for polishing and how do I get rid of the rainspots?

Zainuddin Zainan
Shah Alam

In the last few articles, we have covered the concept of polishing, preparations equipment and in this upcoming article, the techniques to be applied. It's a lot more informative than what I can summarise in a few lines for you here.

Star Rev has an online archive where these detailing articles are stored. It's under a section called Finishing Touches.
As for your other question on windshield and window water-spotting, it really depends on the severity of the damage.

When rain deposits etch glass panels over time, they can cause permanent damage to the surface not to mention affecting driving visibility.

As is my usual advice, always take a preventative approach rather than heavy correction. For light to moderate watermark etching on glass, try using a diluted concentration of vinegar with a spare cloth as the acidity will help remove the deposits.

Anything heavier requires using an abrasive polish which you can pick up from your local hardware store/supermarket. Once you've cleared the watermarks, wash the affected glass panels and apply an LSP (Last Step Product) like a wax or a synthetic sealant to help form a protective barrier over them.


Q2: My white Myvi has a palm-sized patch of dark discolouration as if they are under the clear coat.  I say this because the patch on a door is there even after the car is cleaned. I suspect this was a factory paintjob defect.

I have been using the new car for about six months, and Perodua is unlikely to swap a new car for mine. What can I do, if anything, to remove the patch - short of repainting that door?

Dingbat
Malacca

It's hard to say for sure what the defect is without inspecting the car up close but it would usually fall under one of two reasons.

The first is a patch of oxidation/contamination on the paintwork which requires removal with an abrasive polish or the second possibility is as you've suggested, a paintwork defect.

The latter would quite frankly require a physical inspection and/or the use of an ultrasonic paintwork gauge to measure the thickness and integrity of the paintwork. If I may suggest, you could make an appointment with our team of detailing specialists for an assessment.

You can find our contact details on www.autodetailer.co and get an accurate answer to your enquiry. 


Q3: My beige headliner has acquired a few stains (hair cream, pizza/pasta stains, greasy fingers). What is the correct way to clean it?

Rufus
Ipoh

Short of trying to inquire as to how you managed to stain your car's headliner with pizza/pasta, the answer would incidentally depend on what material your headliner is made from.

I certainly hope it's vinyl which will just require a damp cloth with a degreaser but if it's foam-backed fabric with brushed nylon material it gets significantly more complicated.

A clear liquid fabric cleaner has to be sprayed onto a microfibre towel or a sponge and the affected area is lightly brushed, operative word being "lightly". The brushed nylon material typically gets frayed when too much pressure is applied.

The same material should not get too damp as well because the glue that holds the headliner together will quite easily be compromised.

Under no circumstance should you spray the cleaning fluid directly onto the headliner. Constantly air the cabin to allow for a quicker drying time. Make sure you understand the risks before proceeding.