Monsoon storms coat a car in fine dust, and the rain that follows turns it into a gritty mud that dries in place. Rinse it off within a day or two, and never wipe it off dry.
Dust plus rain is the problem
From June through September, Arizona gets dust storms that roll ahead of the monsoon rain. The dust is fine and full of minerals. When the rain hits a dusty car, it does not wash it clean. It makes a thin mud that runs into seams and dries hard in the sun.
That dried film is rough. Wiping it off with a towel drags the grit across the clear coat and leaves fine scratches, called swirl marks, that show up in sunlight.
What it can do
- Swirls and fine scratches from wiping dusty paint.
- Water spots from mineral-heavy rain and hard tap water drying in the heat.
- Grime in the seams around trim, door jambs, wipers and the cowl below the windshield.
- Dust in the cabin air filter and on the inside of the car.
What to do after a storm
- Rinse first with plenty of water to lift the loose dust. Do not touch the paint before you rinse.
- Wash with a clean mitt and car soap, top to bottom, rinsing the mitt often.
- Dry with a clean microfiber towel, or let us take care of it.
- Check the door jambs, the cowl and the wiper blades. Grit there scratches glass.
How protection helps
Wax, sealant or a ceramic coating makes the paint slicker, so dust has less to grab and rain beads off instead of sitting. It does not stop the dust, but it makes cleanup faster and safer for the paint.
When to call us
If the car sat through a storm and has been baking for a few days, a full wash is the safe way to clear it. If you already see swirls or spots, ask about an exterior detail and paint protection.