Water spots are the minerals left behind when water evaporates off your car's surface. What those minerals are depends on what was in the water, which varies based on your location and water source - whether it's tap water, rain, sprinklers, or tank water. 

Most water spots in New Zealand are alkaline, often lime-based, and can be removed from your car's paint by using a water spot remover that is mildly acidic. The acid dissolves the minerals, which you then wipe away and neutralise with water or a quick detailer. In some cases, a wash with an acidic shampoo like Fireball pH3 can be enough on its own.

Water spot removers are a great tool, but they are just that, a tool. They will dissolve most mineral deposits, but not all of them. If water spots have been left for a long time, they can etch into the vehicle's surface by physically eroding the top layer. When this happens, even after the minerals are removed you may still see marks left behind from that damage. If a remover will not clear the marks, the next step is usually machine polishing.

We recommend applying layers of protection to your paint to help prevent water spots and make them easier to remove in the future.

The Chemical Guys water spot remover is stronger than the Fireball Water Spot Remover and Zephyr Pro50 Elimiator, which are stronger than the pH3 acidic wash.