Diagnostic Center

Technical analysis and restoration protocols for surface defects.

How to Fix Bird Dropping Etching

Bird Dropping Etching & Uric Acid Paint Damage

Neutralize uric acid before it destroys your clear coat. Learn the science of bird dropping etching and the ImportWorx protocol for safe paint decontamination.

View Analysis

How to Remove Heavy Brake Dust & Iron

Brake Dust Buildup & Iron Contamination

Stop brake dust from pitting your wheels. Learn how to chemically dissolve iron contaminants safely with the ImportWorx Non-Acidic Arsenal.

View Analysis

How to Neutralize Brake Fluid on Paint

Brake Fluid Spills & Corrosive Paint Damage

Brake fluid is a paint stripper. Learn how to immediately neutralize glycol-ether spills and protect your engine bay or wheels with ImportWorx Shop Cleaner.

View Analysis

How to Remove Bug Splatter without Scratching Paint

Bug Splatter & Protein Etching

Learn how to safely neutralize and remove acidic bug splatter before it permanently etches your paint. Professional protein-dissolving protocols from ImportWorx

View Analysis

Carbon Fiber Yellowing: Causes & UV Protection Solutions

Carbon Fiber Yellowing & UV Resin Degradation

Stop carbon fiber yellowing before it starts. Learn why resin turns yellow and how to use UV-stable ceramics to preserve your carbon weave's deep black finish.

View Analysis

What is Detailing Cross-Contamination?

Cross-Contamination (Abrasive Transference)

Stop scratching your paint with dirty towels. Learn the science of abrasive transference and the ImportWorx protocol for zonal detailing isolation.

View Analysis

Why Dry Wiping Scratches Your Car

Dry-Wiping Scratches & Surface Lubrication Failure

Stop dry-dusting your paint. Learn the physics of surface lubrication and the ImportWorx protocol for safe "touch-up" cleaning with Quick Wash Hybrid Detailer.

View Analysis

How to Remove Blue Jean Stains from Leather

Dye Transfer & Pigment Migration (Leather/Vinyl)

Eliminate blue jean stains and dye transfer from light interiors. Learn the science of pigment migration and the ImportWorx protocol for leather and vinyl care.

View Analysis

How to Remove Exhaust Soot from Paint

Exhaust Soot & Carbon Particulate Buildup

Clean stubborn carbon soot and exhaust stains. Learn the ImportWorx protocol for neutralizing JDM exhaust buildup with Shop Cleaner and Reviver Polish.

View Analysis

How to Remove Gas Stains from Car Paint

Fuel Staining & Gasoline Solvent Damage

Neutralize gasoline spills and fix yellow fuel stains. Learn the ImportWorx protocol for restoring solvent-damaged paint and vinyl with Shop Cleaner and Reviver

View Analysis

How to Remove Type II Water Spots

Hard Water Spotting & Type II Mineral Etching

Fix permanent water spot etching. Understand the difference between Type I and Type II spots and learn the ImportWorx protocol for mineral decontamination.

View Analysis

How to Fix Faded Interior Plastics

Interior Plastic Fading & Ashy Dashboard Degradation

Restore ashy, faded interior plastics to a factory-satin finish. Learn the science of UV plasticizer depletion and the ImportWorx protocol for dashboard care.

View Analysis

How to Remove Rust Spots & Iron Contamination

Iron Contamination (Industrial Fallout)

Eliminate embedded metallic fallout before it turns to rust. Learn the ImportWorx protocol for chemical iron decontamination and paint preservation.

View Analysis

How to Fix Chalky Paint

Paint Oxidation & Chalky Surface Degradation

Restore dull, chalky paint to a mirror finish. Learn the causes of automotive oxidation and the ImportWorx protocol for paint resuscitation.

View Analysis

How to Remove Road Tar Without Scratching Paint

Road Tar & Asphalt Splatter

Dissolve stubborn road tar and asphalt splatter. Learn the chemical emulsification protocol to protect your paint from petroleum staining with ImportWorx.

View Analysis

How to Prevent Rubber Trim Cracking

Rubber Trim Dry-Rot & Elasticity Failure

Stop rubber weatherstripping from cracking. Learn the science of ozone degradation and the ImportWorx protocol for preserving window seals with Dress All.

View Analysis

How to Remove Soap Streaks from Car Paint

Soap Scum & High-Heat Surface Streaking

Eliminate dried soap streaks and hazy wash residue. Learn why soaps flash-dry on hot panels and the ImportWorx protocol for restoring optical clarity.

View Analysis

How to Remove Stale Car Odors

Stale Cabin Odors & Micro-Organic VOC Trapping

Neutralize stale cabin odors and stagnant air. Learn the science of VOC trapping and the ImportWorx protocol for refreshing your interior with Dark Frost Scent.

View Analysis

How to Fix a Shiny Steering Wheel

Steering Wheel "Shine" & Alcantara Fiber Matting

Restore your steering wheel's matte factory finish. Learn the science of lipid saturation and how the ImportWorx protocol fixes shiny leather and matted Alcanta

View Analysis

How to Fix Swirl Marks

Swirl Marks & Spiderwebbing (Improper Wash Technique)

Eliminate paint haze and spiderwebbing. Learn the science of swirl marks and the ImportWorx protocol for scratch-free washing and paint correction.

View Analysis

How to Remove Track Marbles

Track Marbles & Molten Rubber Scuffs

Safely remove racing rubber and track marbles. Learn the ImportWorx "Track-Side" protocol for dissolving molten rubber scuffs with Shop Cleaner.

View Analysis

How to Remove Tree Sap Without Damaging Paint

Tree Sap Contamination & Organic Resin Etching

Safely dissolve stubborn tree sap and organic resins. Learn the ImportWorx protocol for chemical sap removal using pro-grade surfactants and lubricants.

View Analysis

How to Prevent Carbon Fiber Yellowing & Vinyl Fading

UV Fading & Resin Yellowing

Stop UV rays from destroying your aftermarket parts. Learn how to prevent carbon fiber resin yellowing and vinyl wrap fading with SiO2 protection.

View Analysis

How to Prevent Vinyl Wrap Lifting

Vinyl Wrap Lifting, Bubbling & Edge Failure

Stop your vinyl wrap from peeling and bubbling. Learn the science of film shrinkage and how the ImportWorx protocol extends the life of automotive wraps.

View Analysis

How to Remove Water Spots from Car Paint

Water Spot Etching

Learn how to identify, remove, and prevent water spot etching. Discover the best products to dissolve mineral deposits and protect your clear coat.

View Analysis

Rapid Diagnostic Index

A high-level overview of defect severity and required skill levels.

Defect Name Severity Level DIY Difficulty Protocol
Bird Dropping Etching & Uric Acid Paint Damage Severe Moderate Open Intel
Brake Dust Buildup & Iron Contamination Severe Easy Open Intel
Brake Fluid Spills & Corrosive Paint Damage Severe Professional Only Open Intel
Bug Splatter & Protein Etching Moderate Easy Open Intel
Carbon Fiber Yellowing & UV Resin Degradation Severe Moderate Open Intel
Cross-Contamination (Abrasive Transference) Severe Easy Open Intel
Dry-Wiping Scratches & Surface Lubrication Failure Moderate Easy Open Intel
Dye Transfer & Pigment Migration (Leather/Vinyl) Moderate Easy Open Intel
Exhaust Soot & Carbon Particulate Buildup Moderate Easy Open Intel
Fuel Staining & Gasoline Solvent Damage Moderate Moderate Open Intel
Hard Water Spotting & Type II Mineral Etching Severe Hard Open Intel
Interior Plastic Fading & Ashy Dashboard Degradation Moderate Easy Open Intel
Iron Contamination (Industrial Fallout) Severe Moderate Open Intel
Paint Oxidation & Chalky Surface Degradation Moderate Hard Open Intel
Road Tar & Asphalt Splatter Moderate Easy Open Intel
Rubber Trim Dry-Rot & Elasticity Failure Severe Easy Open Intel
Soap Scum & High-Heat Surface Streaking Low Easy Open Intel
Stale Cabin Odors & Micro-Organic VOC Trapping Low Easy Open Intel
Steering Wheel "Shine" & Alcantara Fiber Matting Moderate Easy Open Intel
Swirl Marks & Spiderwebbing (Improper Wash Technique) Moderate Hard Open Intel
Track Marbles & Molten Rubber Scuffs Moderate Moderate Open Intel
Tree Sap Contamination & Organic Resin Etching Moderate Moderate Open Intel
UV Fading & Resin Yellowing Severe Hard Open Intel
Vinyl Wrap Lifting, Bubbling & Edge Failure Moderate Hard Open Intel
Water Spot Etching Moderate Moderate Open Intel

Can't find your issue?

Our lab is constantly analyzing new surface contamination scenarios. If you are dealing with a unique defect, contact our technical team for a professional consultation.

CONTACT THE LAB