Hey all,
I live in an apt. complex that has a "do-it-yourself" carwash (but alas, no simple hose - so you have to use that high pressure water, or use nothing at all). Last time I got extra-vigilant and decided to use the spray on wax. Now, I have noticed my car is speckled. Do you think this is because of the way the wax unevenly dried, or could it be that the sun has baked the paint different colors depending on where dirt lay after a good rain? I hope it's the former.

Anybody else encountered this problem, or know a good way to fix it? Claybar + Zaino, perhaps?

 

I doubt it caused any permanent damage. I haven't heard of a wax product that you just spray on and drive. Don't you have to let the wax dry and then remove it with a towel? Anyway, my advice is bring some product (Zaino, etc.) with you and do it by hand, or drive the car home after you wash it and wax it in your parking spot.

 

Hard to know what the spots are. From your story it sounds like maybe you sprayed the wax onto a wet car and then drove off? If so, impurities in the water may have left spots behind. These can etch the paint if left too long. If a good washing/waxing doesn't remove them then clay is the next thing to try, I'd think -- fairly safe. If that fails then you're getting into the area of rubbing compounds and more danger. Hopefully, no need.

Bring your own equipment soap/wax/etc, and a bucket. Don't use their brush wands or anything of theirs that touches your car. Fill the bucket with clean water, use your own stuff to wash the car, use their sprayer to rinse. Don't get too close with the high-pressure water. It can literally strip paint especially on soft areas like the bumpers. Hopefully there is a spot right nearby where you can park, finish drying your car and wax it. I wouldn't wax after driving any distance on the road since you can have already picked up grime that will cause scratches and swirls.