Swirl Marks
Swirl marks are fine circular scratches in the clear coat.
What is Swirl Marks?
They show in sunlight. Poor washing causes them. Polishing removes them. They are most visible on dark cars under direct sun or petrol station lights. Machine polishing with a suitable pad and compound removes a tiny layer of clear coat to level the surface. Afterwards, protecting the paint and using careful washing habits keeps them from returning. Each correction removes clear coat, so it should not be repeated too often.
How it works
Grit drags across paint.
Why it matters for your car
Brush car washes cause many. Use soft drying towels.
Other terms
- ACEA Oil Specification
- Brake Caliper
- Brake Caliper Rebuild
- Chassis Straightening (Frame Straightening)
- Clear Coat Failure (Lacquer Peel)
- Engine Number
- Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor
- Grease Nipple (Grease Fitting)
- Headlight Restoration
- Hill Start Assist
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
- Plug & Charge (ISO 15118)
- Readiness Monitors
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- SAE Levels Of Driving Automation
- SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)
- Steering Wheel Controls
- Thermal Runaway
- Universal Joint (U-joint)
- Wheel Alignment