What the heck is this stain on our RAV4 paint?

My wife's car, parked beside mine, is getting stains. She parks in a parkade at work and the tree in our driveway spans both our vehicles

It turns white, you can feel it with your fingernails, kind of rough to the touch. It fades when wet, then comes back after washed with soap and water.

It has only affected her Rav and I've never seen it on our vehicles parked in the same spot for the past 20y. Vehicle is under 6months old and is the Red Metallic paint.

Is it bird crap?

How do I remove them, without paying an autobody shop?

Roof:


Side panel:

 

The first one looks like the result of bird shit eating the clear coat. Unfortunately. Have you tried cleaning it yet? Is it permanent?

I've had bird shit ruin the paint on previous vehicles I owned. I always tell my wife to never park under a tree if you can avoid it.

 

Have you tried goofoff? I used it to remove tar of the paint..worked well for me.

 

Looks like concrete efflorescence is dripping from a parking deck or her parkade at work?

 

Yikes!

 

That's what I'm wondering. She parks in a different spot each time but it could be a building issue.

I've wiped bird crap off and we have been here for 20y without issue.

I have tried soap and water, wax, polish, googone, nothing seems to fix it. I was able to fingernail remove some, but it leaves micro scratches

 

I've also seen this happen when parking deck operators apply ice-melt or salt and it leches down on parked vehicles.

 

https://ask.metafilter.com/81338/Ho...kdrip-stain-from-my-cars-paint-and-windshield

 

I would bet it is from the parking garage.

 

If you've tried everything my next step would be a light coat of compound then wax. Just go east. I wouldn't put goof off on my paint personally. Just seems like a really harsh cleaner.

 

It does look like it may have etched your clearcoat. Believe it or not I have really good luck with some cheap stuff called scratch out. Comes in a yellow bottle. I always follow with a more quality polish and wax if I get the stain out or scratches. You may need a more aggressive type polish if you don’t want to try scratch out. Also try clay bar.

 

I’d also have your wife start checking out coworkers cars to see if they are having the same issue. If this is the case, the building may be responsible for having this issue with the vehicles addressed. Also doing something to keep it from happening in the future.A shot in the dark but worth a shot LOL.

 

Thanks everyone

@15whtrd I will definitely have her ask the her coworkers. She is a nurse, the the parkade is likely backed provincially.

I had a hunch it was more than just bird crap and maybe a chemical spill.

I've gone ahead and ordered some polish compound, a speed bar (plastic type clay bar) and will see about correcting them shortly

 

Being able to scratch it off indicates that it is a deposit on the surface of the clear coat, rather than the result of etching. I assume the microscratches are from the material and not your fingernail. I'm leaning toward the concrete efforescence theory, and that means the residue will likely have abrasives in it. Removal is probably best done gently and manually with compound. Once you get the residue off, plan for a thorough wash with dawn and water, then DA polish, and then apply some good sealant protection. The roof paint ain't looking too bright in general.

 

I'd wash it as best as I can then start with a clay bar before compound.

 

I would try this method on a not-so-noticeable area first. It sounds reasonable and not vary invasive...

Steps to Remove the Limescale:

1. Combine one part water with one part white vinegar in a spray bottle or bucket.
2. Spray it onto the affected areas.
3. Wipe the area with a clean, soft cloth.
4. If using a bucket, moisten a cloth with the mixture and use it to wipe away the limescale.
5. If the lime is not easily wiping away, moisten a cloth with the mixture and lay it over the area.
6. Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes.
7. Remove the cloth and wipe the loosened lime away.
8. Repeat as needed until all of the limescale is removed.
9. The vinegar in the mixture will remove the wax that was originally on the car.
10. Wash the car as usual once you are finished removing all of the lime.
11. Apply a good quality wax to protect the finish.

 

@JohnLakeman we live on a gravel road ...our cars never look clean

 

As for dirt, it's cleaner than mine are. My observation is that the roof already looks like it's lost factory gloss. The side panels are better, and that's to be expected. DA polish should bring the gloss back, but you'll need to get some protection on it. Today's paint isn't worth spit.

 

Gotcha, thanks.

I have a few more supplies and wash mitts etc en route. I hope to wash both her Rav and my Tundra soon, then wax/polish them to get them protected and shiny.

 

Lots of info and help from everyone ..thanks so much guys and gals.