Paint question

[cheilo]

Hey,
I have a 2008 Lancer GTS WW. I continuously get these tiny orange circles showing up on my paint job. I take good care of my car washing it regularily even through the nasty Canadian winters. I used a liquid clay bar product to try to remove them but they are pain to scrub out. I literally have to lean my body weight into my car to scrub them out. Anyone know what these orange spots are and if they are preventable?

btw it definitly is not rust spots.

Thanks,

[kevin_]

The actual term that is used is rail dust. Its not the actual car that's rusting, but metal particles (e.g. brake dust, rail dust, etc.) that are stuck to your car's paint that is beginning to rust.

I've had the same problem as well.

Its called rail dust because it is usually a result of the cars being transported by rail, and when there is metal on metal contact from the wheels of the train, particles of dust/metal fly up and attach to the surface of the car's paint.

After delivery of the car, most people say its a result of brake dust as well.

Over time, the metal particles begin to rust because of the weather in Canada.

Don't think there's anything you can do. I've tried using a clay bar to get everything off. Even had the dealer detail the car and remove a bunch of them, but they just come back over time.

You can try googling "rail dust" if you want as well.

[MasterAK]

I think you would have better results with a regular clay bar. I just don't trust the liquid ones. If that doesn't work, you can lightly sand the spot using a very fine, wet sandpaper and then use a rubbing compound to polish it.

[teddyshooter]

You could paint the car orange to match the rail dust and you will never see it =]

[trebass]

I was just at my dealership for this exact issue!!

I have never seen it on any other cars that I have owned. They called it "Industrial Fallout". Luckily they said they would do the grunt work of getting them taken care of, only because I will already have the car in for other service.

Here's a good explanation and fix for it:
http://www.properautocare.com/usclaybartor.html