Why Water Spots Damage Your Car’s Paint

When water dries on your car’s surface, the heavier minerals inside the droplets settle to the bottom of the spot. As the water evaporates, those minerals remain, and some can be acidic—slowly eating into your paint and leaving permanent etching. If caught early, they can be wiped away before damage occurs. That’s why drying your car after washing is one of the simplest ways to protect your finish.