My first harrowing moment
Just wanted to tell my horror story -
Picked up my red EX on thursday. We drove it around a bit to get use to it till the weekend (so far, hitting 41 MPG avg and climbing).
However, woke up Sunday to a surprise outside - a 3-inch white strip on the passenger's side door trim. It seems my wife (who had been painting a bathroom) managed to venture too close and smear a strip of white, oil-based house paint on the car the night before.
Luckily, the weather was in my favor, it has been astoundingly humid, and the passengers side faces north on the driveway, so the amount of set in the paint was limited by luck. But it was still "dry", for all intents and purposes.
I surveyed my options - cleaners, solvents, begging the dealer for help, etc, but I decided that, before freaking out, I would see what a little water would do - no soap, no solvents, just a soft sponge, water, and a gentle rubbing.
Long story shorter - three hours later, and about 2,000 light strokes/rinses of a hot, wet sponge, the last of the white paint disappeared, leaving a little bit of gummy residue behind. A swipe with an artists gum eraser took that off, and the finish and paint looked great. There was an almost imperceptable swirl in the coat where the sponge had spent its time, but a single application of color-care Turtle Wax left it looking absolutely perfect.
Big 'whew' on that one. I know I shouldnt worry too much about the bottom door trim, its bound to take a beating from feet and gravel over the years, but I think Day 3 of the car's life deserves a little protectionism.
Still waiting for my first parking lot ding.
Be careful out there!
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