I need some advice on my 2009 A4. We have a apricot tree and a few overripe apricots fell and splashed pieces of fruit on the car. I took my car to the car wash and noticed the clear coat coming off! It looks like the acid from the fruit caused this. I didn't realize how much damage this can cause, but I guess you live and you learn (my wife's Jetta was parked next to it and she has the same problem, in her case it's a lot worse, but she didn't get it washed for a while).

I have three spots. Two are about the size of a nickel, one is larger (~1 inch) In the larger area it is not completely coming off yet, but clearly damaged. Is is not very noticeable. It looks like it's just a bit dirty in the area, but at a close look you can clearly see the clear coat come off.

This is a lease, so I could simply give it back, but I really like the car and the buyout price is very attractive ($22,000 for a 3 year old car). The car is otherwise in excellent condition and I would like to keep it a few years more.

Is there a way to fix this without a repaint without problems down the road a few years from now? I know what caused it so I know how to prevent this from happening again (staying far away from fruit trees).

I appreciate any advice, I have to make a decision whether to keep the car or not within the next couple of weeks.

 

Depending on how deep in the clear the damage is, you may be able to buff it out. if they are small spots you might also be able to do some blending with a DIY paint correcting kit.

post your question up in the "detailing" section. there are some pro detailers that post there from time to time. hopefully they will chime in.