spindlewood

I brought home a new SQ5 on April 20th. A week later, with 250 miles on it, I washed (Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam) and waxed (Collinite #845) - there were no bumps on the paint surface so I did not clay it. The following two weeks, I did a simple wash and spray wax (Griot's Spray-On Wax). After the last wash and spray wax, I felt the hood and found thousands of tiny bumps. I went ahead and clayed the car (Griot's Paint Cleaning Clay + Griot's speed shine as lubricant) and added a fresh coat of Collenite #845. I am using only microfiber cloths.

My question: With only 800 miles on the car where did all the bumps come from? It is garaged at night and during the day it is in an open lot. Can pollen cause this? I have a very small stretch where I commute on dirt road (< 1/4 mi) and there is no ice melt this time of year.

I am a newbie with regard to detailing, so I appreciate any help.

chicagoA6

That's interesting. Did the clay remove the bumps? Perhaps you followed behind something that caused it? Since it was only on the hood.

spindlewood

The clay did remove the bumps. It wasn't just the hood but it was most prevelant on the hood - What I would expect being exposed most to the elements from driving and from its horizontal position.

I did wonder if somehow the spray wax helped introduce it. I didn't pay careful attention when doing my wash to see if bumps existed. I expected the car to be smooth. I also wondered if these were a delayed bloom from the factory process. I've heard of iron spots - but these had no color to speak of and were miniscule.

chicagoA6

We did Euro delivery for our latest A7 and when the car arrived stateside I told the dealer not to wash/wax. Got the car home and clayed her first thing. I was shocked at the amount of crud the clay bar picked up. Not sure if from the curing of the paint, driving in Europe or the transport to the USA (ship / rail).

Never had any issues since beyond normal wear.

Eli McCraig

spindlewood

I forget to mention that this was a factory order, so it was wrapped from the factory to dealer in transit and didn't sit around anywhere.

dudley@07726