Volkswagen Tiguan 2012: Can sunscreen cause paint blotching?
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Asked by Brian Wakelin
Both rear panels of my 2010 VW Tiguan TDI have developed large white patches and several smaller ones. When I reported this to VW I was told that it was caused by sun cream and there was nothing that they could do about it. I have since reported it again and written to the manager of my dealership, but again nothing has been done. VW has put out the following statement: "The marks, sometimes with swellings of the paint/clear coat surface, have occurred more frequently since summer 2007. All manufacturers are affected. They are caused by sun cream. Since 2007 sun cream has additional chemical components for better protection against the sun. This makes it easier for sweat from the hands to penetrate into the paint surface and leads to white marks." Have you had any other reports of this problem?
Answered by CarsGuide
8 Mar 2012We received the same response when we approached VW on the matter, it seems the company is washing its hands of the problem, saying in effect that it's not theirs alone, that it affects other car makers and makers of other products as well. Disappointing when you've got a car with blotchy marks all over it. From what we understand the marks are a result of titanium dioxide that have been used in sunscreens over the last few years. It's uncertain which is the best way to fix it once it's occurred, some say buff it out, others say used a citrus-based cleaner. I would consult a detailer near you to find out what they do to fix it, or you could contact our paint expect, Graeme Cuthbert, on 0422 444 335. This should also serve as a warning for everyone with a car built after about 2007, wash your hands, and your kid's hands, after using sun cream and before touching the paintwork on your car.
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