It is important for Managers/Technicians to be aware of an important issue due to the high temperatures, smog alerts, and short burst thunder storms that many areas are experiencing. You may experience Acid Rain etching on your vehicle inventory.

High temperatures will soften and expand the vehicle's clear coat. This makes the paint film porous and allows contaminates to enter the paint film. 

Once contaminates are inside the clear coat, the water evaporates and leaves a residue of Acid Oxides/Dioxides. The first time it rains or dew is present, it begins etching the clear coat.

If you perform a lot wash, use DEIONIZED water only. A "Rule of Chemistry"--Never add water to acid, always acid to water!

Ozone Action Day/Smog Alert air contains high concentrates of Sulfuric/Nitric Dioxides, and Oxides, plus high concentrations of Ozone. Ozone is an oxidizing, agent, that it will increase the damaging effect of acids vs. what you would see normally.

Thunderstorms that are short in duration deposit water on a hot painted surface and activate the dry acids in the paint.

1.To assist in protecting vehicles, cool the vehicles with plain DI water.

2.Apply a neutral car wash shampoo mixture, to the vehicle.

3.Allow the material to dwell 2 to 3 minutes then thoroughly rinse and towel or chamoi dry the
   vehicle.

4.The application of a paint sealant will assist in protecting the vehicle from acid rain when applied
   to a neutralized paint surface.

NOTE! Car wash soaps will not neutralize the paint. You must us a NEUTRAL pH 7 car wash shampoo.

If the MSDS for your car wash product indicates the presence of Sodium Chloride, or Butyl components, it may create other paint finish concerns.

Ford-L/M Dealers may purchase a neutral Ph7 car wash shampoo through their DOES-II parts system or their local F.A.D. Part #F8AZ-19520EA-1gallon, Part #F8AZ-19520HA-5gallon.

Should you wish to contact us directly regarding any questions, procedures or other concerns please call.
1- 800-543-7156