Rust Spots on Car May Be Heaven-Sent
Question: I have recently discovered what appear to be tiny rust spots on the finish of my brand-new white Toyota Camry. I took the car back to the dealer, who said it was from atmospheric fallout, but that explanation sounds weird. If I scrape the rust spot with my nail, a little nub of rust will come off and leave a tiny yellow discoloration underneath it. I am worried that rust is setting in and that after a few years I will need a paint job. What’s your opinion?--B.F.
Answer: The dealer was probably right, because it is highly improbable that rust could be forming on the surface of a newly painted car.
Most car finishes are susceptible to damage from atmospheric pollution, which starts with tiny dust particles that become embedded in the paint. The yellow particles you observe could contain some small amount of iron oxide, which is rusting and discoloring your paint. Or it could be something less onerous, such as tree sap.
Examine where the discolorations occur to determine whether it is atmospheric fallout. Generally, such fallout occurs on horizontal surfaces, such as the hood, roof and trunk lids.
You should examine whether the discoloration has affected the vertical fender areas, especially those inverted surfaces that face the ground. Obviously, dust can’t settle upside down, so if the discoloration is occurring in areas that are inverted, then you may have a different problem.
If you do have a fallout problem, you should be able to remove it with a good washing. If that doesn’t work, then you may have to try using a polish. Be sure you don’t confuse polish, which is a white paste, with rubbing compound, which is orange and comes in a can similar to polish. A good-quality paste wax may also work, but you’ll have to rub harder than with a paste polish.
Atmospheric fallout is one of the most important reasons for regularly washing and waxing your car. This junk from the sky, especially acid rain or acid fog, can eat away at paint.
Q: I just bought an Acura Integra and am interested in your opinion as to using synthetic motor oil after the first oil change. Are synthetics worth the extra money?--R.H.
A: Synthetic motor oils generally have an excellent reputation among oil experts for their lubricating ability and their resistance to breakdown in the engine. But most experts do not believe that the synthetics work significantly better than organic oils, except in extreme cold weather. In cold weather, the synthetics flow much better and provide better protection while the engine is still cold.
You should also recognize that organic oils have been vastly improved. Earlier this year, the major refiners introduced a new grade, American Petroleum Institute Grade SG, which has more additives to provide better engine protection. Whether you use synthetic or organic oil, the most important consideration for the longevity of your engine is to keep the oil clean and changed regularly.
Q: I have a very slow leak in one of my tires, and I am considering using a can of flat fixer to stop the leak. Is this a bad idea?--B.A.
A: Some tire manufacturers would look down on the practice, because it is not a professional repair. Because you have a leak, you may have a damaged tire. Tire experts say the tire should be removed from the rim, inspected for damage and then repaired with a patch on the inside.
If the slow leak is occurring at the bead, however, the flat fixer may work adequately. But if the leak is occurring at the valve stem, it is unlikely to stop it.
