Ask The Experts at Autogeek

Do you have technical questions about our products and how to get the best results possible when detailing your vehicle? Autogeek has answers!

Email our TECHNICAL SUPPORT DEPARTMENT with questions about the use of any of our products. We are happy to help!

Michael S writes:

Dear Autogeek,

I recently purchased a 2006 Toyota Tacoma and when the sun hits it you can see all these little scratches all over the truck, but not if you look at it straight on, they are only visible if view it from an angle, it appears to be circular micro-scratches and swirls. I tried an over the counter wax product that is supposed to fill in scratches and swirl marks but it did not even lessen their appearance. What do you suggest to remove swirls? Can I do it by hand or will I need a machine? Also, what is a good paint sealant that you would recommend?

Regarding glass cleaning, I was cleaning my glass and I just cant find a glass cleaner that will not smear. What products would you suggest for streak-free glass care?

Finally, I am looking for a good car wash that will not leave water spots. I tried a self drying car wash and it left little spots all over and I had to use the DP Glass Restorer to get them out of the glass and use a cleaner wax to get them out of the paint. Thanks for your help!

Sincerely,

Michael S.

Hello Michael,

A machine polisher is ideal for removing swirls and light scratches. It can be done by hand, but your hand (firmly holding a foam pad) will need to move rather quickly, like a machine, to do the job effectively.

Many over the counter products claim to fill in scratches and swirl marks but as you have seen, it is difficult to fill in and cover up scratches and swirls with a product that is designed to produce a clear, reflective paint finish. In fact, because of the shine and clarity that some wax provide, they may even amplify the appearance of scratches and swirls. Rather than try to fill them in, our goal is to remove the paint defects by using a machine polisher, foam pads and the appropriate swirl removers to smooth and polish the paint to perfection. Then apply a quality wax or sealant to protect your vehicle’s paint and amplify the shine.


If you are new to machine polishing, don’t be intimidated by the idea. Today’s dual-action polishers are very user-friendly and the staff at Autogeek has assembled all-inclusive Porter Cable kits to take the guesswork out of purchasing the correct accessories for the Porter Cable 7424 polisher. We even have instructional videos to help you learn how to use the Porter cable 7424 to remove light scratches and swirls, polish your paint and apply wax or sealant.

At Autogeek, we offer many quality waxes and sealants. Pinacle Liquid Souveran Wax is a liquid car wax with the protection and durability of a paint sealant and Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant is an excellent example of a slick, durable paint sealant that delivers a deep, wet, liquid shimmer that you’ll have to see to believe. Visit our Car Wax & Sealants page to view our complete line of car wax and sealant products plus informative tutorials to help you get the most out of waxing your car.

For crystal-clear, streak-free glass, give Diamondite® Perfect Vision Glass Cleaner Pump and a Cobra Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass Towel a try. Perfect Vision Glass Cleaner is a non-ammoniated glass cleaner for tough-to-clean automotive glass. Diamondite is an innovative product line comprised of the ultimate glass and plastic care systems.


Thanks for contacting us Michael. Hopefully these suggestions will help make your Tacoma shine like new!

Happy Detailing!

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