Irrigation System Overspray - Remove From Paint?

Hey there fellas,

I just noticed that on slightly windy days, the left side of my truck gets hit with droplets of water from the irrigation system. It pulls from a well, and I know the water is loaded up with minerals as it yellows my white fence.

When I washed the truck this past time, it definitely had water/mineral stains that wouldn't come off with normal washing. I had read, and tried, distilled white vinegar, then waxed it, and it seems to have mostly helped but not completely.

Any tips on removing it? I'm going to do my best to keep the cars off the driveway during waterings, but it happens early in the morning every few days and I'm not 100% sure I'll catch it every time.

Thanks!
Jim

 

Get yourself a nano skin or Claybar. That’s the next gentle step. You could also try different cuts of polishes. Always start with the lightest cut polish, as you would like to be the least aggressive to get what you need accomplished.

 

I feel you. This is exactly why I don’t run my sprinklers on the side my truck sits on.

The Amazon reviews aren’t great on this product, but it’s worked great for me.

Optimum 22431 Mineral Deposit Remover, 32. Fluid_Ounces

OPT 22431 32 oz Mineral Deposit Remover, 32 fl. oz, 1 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077QCXPWY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_91IJDb9FJGTVK

 

and then install these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Impact-Splash-Guard-with-Pegs-53161/100135657

 

Thanks, Ill have a look. Lesson learned I guess. I've started to move both cars to one side of the driveway and took that zone off the automatic schedule. To make matters worse, the grass I was watering (St Augustine plugs) was just sprayed by my fertilizer company with a broadleaf weed killer that will kill St Augustine... I have these damn mineral deposits on my truck for nothing.

 

Never even thought of that, thanks! How big are they? The picture makes it hard to tell.

 

Constant maintenance to eliminate water spots will be labor intensive and wears on your clear coat.

If it's your irrigation system, reschedule the timer to water after you've left for work. Most municipalities allow you to water before about 10:00 am. If the system belongs to an HOA or complex, then you're pretty much screwed. All you can do is raise hell, and send them the detailing bill.

 

It's mine - and controlled by a Rachio smart controller so it's beyond flexible, and can be activated via my phone. I subscribe to the concept of getting all watering done before the son comes up so it has more time to dry, reducing risk of fungus. With the heat and humidity, my grass is extremely susceptible.

What I just started doing is basically what your saying for that single zone - running it after I leave and can move my wifes to the safe side.

Add another thing to the list of the million tedious things I feel like I do on some scheduled basis as a homeowner and father of two...

 

My water is so hard that even the mist blowing around shows up on my truck.

 

That’s what I was doing until I forgot about it one day I went to work. I need to figure out a “Tundra detection system” that I can wire into the controller.

 

Think mine will be the same - even if its not full droplets I get some serious mist that shows on things as yellow.

 

Depends on what kind of protection you had on your paint prior to the water spots getting on it.
A good wash and a clay bar treatment, will remove most of it. However there may be some remnants, if that is the case, then you will need to polish them out to completely get rid of them. Very good video below showing the different options and effectiveness of each.