I washed my GT-R today for the first time in a few weeks. I used this stuff my buddy gave me called Optimum No Rinse. It worked pretty well but when I got to the trunk I noticed some weird spots on the trunk lid. I thought they were just water spots so I did another pass and even broke out the hose and washed/rinsed but the spots look like they are under the clearcoat in the paint itself. They look like grey water spots that won't come off. The paint still feels glossy not like the clearcoat is eaten away or anything. Just looks like water or condensation almost trapped underneath the clearcoat. Nothing happens when you press down on the spot either.

The weird part is that they are only on the trunk lid, not on the spoiler, rear bumper, quarter panels or anywhere else on the car. I tried cleaner wax, swirl remover and nothing did anything. Any ideas what in the world this is and how to fix it? It seems like it might be some acid or chemical got on it but I can't think of when/where this might have happened and why it's only on the trunk.

Pic in natural sunlight and a bright garage light.

 

Don't mean to go off topic but you have a BMW id asking about a GTR with a picture of a Lotus in your signature in an S2000 forum

 

Not very helpful. I've had lots of cars including a few BMW's, a S2000, Lotus Elise etc and I currently have a GT-R. Lots of good knowledge here on the forum here so I thought I'd ask.

 

No worries bro, sorry I couldn't help

 

I believe your clearcoat has been etched. To me it looks like some kind of environmental damage. I had something similar a few years back on a Honda Accord, and Honda offered to re-paint the vehicle. But that was in the good old days when Honda used to repair pretty much anything you asked of them without much fuss. My damage was more widespread but it was a similar look as that, the clearcoat was etched. At that time I recall driving behind a transport truck that was leaking some kind of fluid from the trailer he was hauling, who knows what kind of chemical had spilled from within the trailer but I think it was likely the cause of my damage.

But a lot of manufacturers now exclude environmental damage from their warranties unless you purchase the optional paint protection sales pitch. You might be able to get it off with a full polish job using some agreesive cutting pads and polish but it's something that is best left to the professionals IMO. I'd have your dealer look at it first and see what kind of warranty coverage you may have.

 

It's not etched, the clear feels smooth as glass and is still very reflective. I did some reading and evidently this has happened before. The weird part is the spots tend to evaporate and disappear when parked in the sun for a few days so I'm going to try that

 

Did they say what causes it?

 

Nope, but Nissan has this problem with other cars too not just GT-R's. I'm going to park in the sun today and see what happens. If it doesn't go away I'm making a warranty claim.

 

Try claying it?

 

Clay didnt do anything it is under the clear probably moisture trapped