I regrettably went to a machined car wash and it unfortunately created swirl marks on my 2 week old Scion xD. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions to get rid of these marks without getting it buffed? They aren't too bad, but it just annoys me everytime look at my car.

 

You can hand polish with some Meguire Scratch X polish. Just be patient and use as directed. BTW, after the polish you really should put on a coat of wax or sealant. Stay away from car washes, I always wash my own cars.

 

^ ditto. If you are as crazy as I tend to be, get the whole 4-step Meguire's setup and follow the instructions - very effective, especially when used with the Scratch X and the new Meguiar's NSX or whatever it is called synthetic wax. It is completely awsome, and lasts for a very long time. After you work your ___ of on these steps, using the Meguiar's (or Mother's, or a few good alternatives) "Quick Detail" sprays in between washes really helps. it gets it back to the 'After Waxed' look without re-waxing or layering and looking nasty.

 

To quick detail your car in between washes, i feel, is not the best idea. If you think about it, after you drive your car for a day or more, dust settles onto the paint. To use a towel of microfiber or whatever and to swipe is off usually will push the dirt into the paint. Some will argue that the quick detailer is a lubricant and whatnot, but i'm just that picky and swirls are annoying. O and as far as getting off the swirls. Looks like you need a buff. I mean yes you can use Scratch X but if swirls is all over your car (which i'm assuming), it will really be a pain in the ___ to scratch X the entire car. If you are decently handy, i would invest in a porter cable and just learn how to use it. Mequire's is really good at showing people how to use their product. If you are in Socal they have these Classes that you can take and they also usually give out free stuff.
Bennyboy

 

I'm inclined to agree with Bennyboy's remarks here about quick detailing. I work with extremely fine optical equipment, and one of the things I learned a long time ago is to remove ALL grit, even dust, from fine surfaces before touching a cloth to them. Now, true, a good auto paint isn't as delicate, but it really is only a matter of degree.

 

I think these guys might have misunderstood the quick detailing I'm taking about - you use these After you wash your car and before it dries, not as you wash the dirt off.

 

My remark was addressing your statement below.
"Quick Detail" sprays in between washes really helps."

Right after washing is fine. of course. And I see now that that's what you meant........:-)

 

sorry, I meant to say "in between waxes", lol.