Winter Road Recovery Question

[Coupet]

Snow and ice was worse than usual for Metro Vancouver this past winter. On my 2007 silver Honda Odyssey there are numerous pin-head sized rust coloured spots that do not come off easily with a regular thorough hand wash. Does any one have any suggestions on product and technique for removing these? The spots are slightly raised. They appear to be more of a grain of salt sized spot as opposed to a mere discolouration spot.

I bought the van new in June of '07. I have hand washed it regularily. What should I be doing to enhance and protect the finish? I have four boys. The vehicle's interior needs a good detail. Any suggestions on product or technique for the gray leather etc?

I am new to detailing. I did recently pick-up a used Craftsman buffer.

Thanks, in advance, for any help and suggestions.

Cheers,

[jfelbab]

Re: Winter Road Recovery Question

Wash, clay, polish, wax.

Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit should remove the spots.

I'm not so sure that the Craftsman buffer will do any useful paint correction though.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Winter Road Recovery Question

Unfortunately, I know all about them. You need to use clay to take them off, which can be a rather time consuming endeavor.

[Carfire]

Re: Winter Road Recovery Question

[MyFirstES300]

Re: Winter Road Recovery Question

Yes, the Craftsman buffer will not help with paint correction, as I was loaned one recently and it's really only good for one thing: application of and removal of waxes.

[Coupet]

Re: Winter Road Recovery Question "Rail Dust"?

Thanks for the suggestions. I've just now returned from an automotive parts supplier who has a good selection of Mequiar's products. Upon hearing my description and, before seeing the van for himself, he indicated "rail dust". He said that rust grains from transportation (particularly from rail) of new vehicles is very common. He thought that this should be covered under warranty. Coincidently I do have an appointment with Honda on Monday morning for regular maintenance. I will speak to them about this then.

Does "rail dust" sound likely? I had never heard of this before. I did today notice a cluster of them in the "H" of the Honda insignia just below the rear window on the hatch. This does seem a bit high off the ground to be caused by snow/ice removal products on the road.

I am off to roll out the project car and bring the van into the garage for an interior detail. Ah ... "I thought I told you boys never to eat in the van!" ...Yuck.

Cheers

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Winter Road Recovery Question

Rail Dust has become a generic term. The spots you are seeing are probably the result of either a chemical used when "salt"ing roads or from the plow blade scraping the road surface. When this happened to me the first time, the dealer suggested a cleaner wax, which isn't going to remove it.