Removing white protective film residue

[enigmaaron]

My FR-S has what I believe to be some residue lines from the white protective film that's on the new car. There is a line near the front and rear edges of the hood, some lines around the gas cap, and on the front fender above the 86 symbol. I'm new to actually giving a crap about a car's paint so I'm looking for tips on the best way to get it off. I spent some time trying to get it off just using the microfiber wash mitt and soap which seemed to be working, but would have taken all day to get maybe a 12" section of it off. I was going to try bug/tar remover next but figured I would see what suggestions you guys have.

[GuySmily]

I saw goo gone automotive formula at.. I think Target. My friend used the regular goo gone spray gel with no ill effects though. Just make sure to wax afterwards.

Let the goo gone do the work. Try not to scrub your paint.

[enigmaaron]

Originally Posted by GuySmily

I saw goo gone automotive formula at.. I think Target. My friend used the regular goo gone spray gel with no ill effects though. Just make sure to wax afterwards.

Let the goo gone do the work. Try not to scrub your paint.

I was hoping to avoid waxing. If it requires that much work the dealership is going to get a visit, I shouldn't have to wax a brand new car.

[GuySmily]

I don't want any dealer touching my car. I'm gonna drive straight to an optiguard or clear bra installer, with the plastic sheets still stuck to my car if at all possible.

[MmmHamSandwich]

Yeah I would say it is inadvisable to ever let a dealer wash your car. Our local Porsche dealership is supposedly well regarded by the community and offers to wash and wax your car every time it is in for service. They freaking ruined all my work on my mom's car when she forgot to tell them not to wash it.

As far as the dealership I was planning to get my BRZ from, the two they had on their lot when I went last you would have thought had a year of ownership on them, unreal how bad the swirls were.

Anyway for your case I'd just use a clay bar, should take the residue right up.

Also if you now "give a crap about your car's paint" you ought to warm up to the idea of waxing a brand new car.

[enigmaaron]

You wax a brand new car? I suppose I assumed they are decent enough to wax new cars before selling them.

BTW, never even waxed a car before. My truck is the only car I have bothered to wash before and that's only when it's covered in mud. Was hoping to get the basic car washing down before having to learn anything more in depth.

[picus]

Cars are not shipped with wax on them. The dealership may wax them but generally speaking they will use a low durability bulk wax (unless you buy their paint protection, then you get a sealant which will last, at most, 6 months). Either way, you can definitely seal/wax a new car, it's generally recommended.

RE: your adhesive residue. ~70% ipa (rubbing alcohol) is probably the easiest solution, though getting a real adhesive remover like goo gone or carpro tarx is probably a better idea.

[enigmaaron]

Originally Posted by picus

Cars are not shipped with wax on them. The dealership may wax them but generally speaking they will use a low durability bulk wax (unless you buy their paint protection, then you get a sealant which will last, at most, 6 months). Either way, you can definitely seal/wax a new car, it's generally recommended.

RE: your adhesive residue. ~70% ipa (rubbing alcohol) is probably the easiest solution, though getting a real adhesive remover like goo gone or carpro tarx is probably a better idea.

I guess it was naive to think the dealership would properly prep a new car.

Thanks for the tips, I'll get this gunk off and study up on waxing.

[drew935]

Tarminator is your friend

[Spd229]

They'll properly prep it alright......all the swirls you'd ever want.

[enigmaaron]

Just thought I would follow up, my neighbor had some turtle wax bug/tar remover laying around and gave it to me so I gave it a shot. Took the lines right off with very minimal effort.