[Howdy Ag]

I don't know whether to post this in General, Problems, or Detailing. Since Problems seems to generate some of the most serious discussion, I'll try it here. So here goes:

I took delivery of my Pilot 12 days ago. Five days ago I gave it its first bath. When I climbed on the rear wheel to wash the top, that's when I noticed it. The tiniest black spots in my paint. I mean real small, like pinpoint small. So many of them that it almost looks like the paint was made that way--only I know better.

My Pilot has less than 500 miles on it to date. At the time I found the spots it had around 300. I've driven it pretty much just to work and back and have no idea where the spots came from. I have no idea if they were present when I picked the car up from the dealership, but, if they were, I didn't notice them at the time.

Fellow Pilot owners--HELP! What should I do?

(About the only positive is that you have to climb on the rear wheel to see the spots--although I haven't done a thorough inspection of all other surfaces as it's been rainy here and I've been very busy at work).

 

[banningjr]

First take another look at those spots and try to find out what they are. Identifying them is going to be your first step. If they are on the paint I would try a simple tar and bug remover. If they appear to be black paint (I had some on my alloys) or paint on the white the dealer sould help you out. (Maybe for a fee if it is black paint. Did you drive under and overpass where a crew was painting?) If it is IN the paint you may need to go into a more in-depth discussion with the dealer. No matter what the answer I wouldn't wait long to get it under way. The longer you wait the harder it will get to take care of the problem.

 

[03pilot]

I agree with banningjr. The sooner you come to a conclusion as to what the heck is it. Black paint on white color or is it some spots which look like part of the white paint (however bizarre that may sound). I would at least try the Zaino process by washing the car with Dawn liquid soap, Z7 car wash, Z1 polish and then a Z2 and see if it goes away. If its something on the paint (and not part of the paint) then I suspect it may go away with Dawn and/or Z7

Good Luck and keep us updated.

 

[TheWorm]

ON vs. IN the paint is the key thing to determine. Just pass your hand/fingers over it to see if you can feel them. If it's ON the paint, Bug N Tar remover is worth a shot. WD40 will work, too.

Dawn might work if it's soft. So might isopropyl alcohol.

The Zaino process (z7/1/2/5/etc) won't do a thing -- it'll just seal it in/on...since Zaino stuff is primarily a sealant and not a cleaner. CLAYBAR would work for removal, tho.

 

[Howdy Ag]

Thanks for all the help

I am happy to confirm that the spots are comming off. Frost the Pilot just had it's second bath and I was able to get the spots off with a small amount of elbow grease. It was evening when I was done, so I didn't get to inspect it in the sunlight. Because of the large area affected, I'll probably try some of the solvents mentioned in all of your very informative and helpful posts.

By the way, the most amazing thing about the issue was that I didn't freak out. I chalk it up to being so d*#N busy at the office that I just haven't had time to obsess. I guess sometimes too much work is a good thing.

Thanks again to every one for their help.

 

[TheWorm]

Re: Thanks for all the help

...Because of the large area affected, I'll probably try some of the solvents mentioned ...

Forgot to mention that the ideas beyond elbow grease and carwash (Dawn, WD40, etc) will remove the wax, so be sure and re-wax afterward if you do use one of them...