When the car is washed & dried, later on stains appear on both front doors from the mirrors. I believe that some water stays in the mirror housing & as we are in a hard water area these later drip down staining the doors.  I considered drilling a hole in the bottom of the mirror housing to allow this water to drain out straight away but as there must be electrical wires etc. inside the housing I was wondering if anybody else has a solution to this problem or do I just chance drilling the housing ?

I agree, the wing mirrors do seem to hold some water during washing. I also notice it on a colder morning when the are full of condensation.

 

I don't have a solution though, but the water here isn't hard so it doesn't leave marks.

Spoke to Chris the car detailed on here the other day. He has recommended buying a pet blaster off eBay to blow all the water out.

It drives me absolutely mad.

Sent 04 September 2014 - 20:20

Don't mind at all

It's a problem with a few wing mirrors in the VAG range

You should see my mates R36,,

I use an air blaster from eBay

Search for pet blaster and you'll never look back

Fantastic piece of kit and 1/4 of the price on detailing websites

Good luck

Chris

Edited 6 September, 201411 yr by Dalelfc89

Have the same problem the water retention in the mirrors is bad and you get the marks running down the door after washing

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I always rinse my car with filtered water and make sure the mirrors get a good soaking right at the end.  They still drip but the water evaporates without leaving marks.  I use one of these. They do  0PPM filters too but the 30PPM one is fine and lasts longer.

I have the same problem on a white car, it looks like a black stain, maybe something rubbery in the mirrors...

I get this on the sills on a white car which shows it up worse i guess. Think it must be the door rubbers.

Never noticed it from the door mirrors though.

I always rinse my car with filtered water and make sure the mirrors get a good soaking right at the end.  They still drip but the water evaporates without leaving marks.  I use one of these. They do  0PPM filters too but the 30PPM one is fine and lasts longer.

 

How long does something like that last? I'd be interested myself as my current process of having to towel off the car with a large number of microfibre cloths is getting a bit annoying.

 

On the topic of the mirrors, I've not had an issue with the mirrors holding water in my car and I've washed it a fair few times. I've never had to put much effort into drying the mirrors but then I do fold my mirrors away after I've dried the car off.

Guys

 

This might help-

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MUC-OFF-Spray-Aerosol-500ml-12pcs/dp/B000NNOGPO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=muc+off+bike+spray

 

use it on my bike after washing and definitely drives water away.

Edited 7 September, 201411 yr by BA Baracus

As I suggested:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2800W-PET-DOG-HAIR-GROOMING-FUR-DRYER-HEATER-BLASTER-HAIRDRYER-BLACK-/301239091636?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item46233fc1b4

I use one of these all the time and never have a problem with water leaks from Mirror housings......or anywhere else

How long does something like that last? 

I bought the 30" version which I use every couple of weeks to do the car and 3 bikes and, to be honest, it only lasts about 30 washes (just over a year).  I do probably over-rinse though. A fine mist should suffice which should extend the life to maybe 2 - 3 years.

 

I hadn't previously considered the doggy drier idea before. It's a one-off cost and leaves the car dry.  For under £50 it's worth a try so I have ordered one like ChrisRs's this morning

As I suggested:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2800W-PET-DOG-HAIR-GROOMING-FUR-DRYER-HEATER-BLASTER-HAIRDRYER-BLACK-/301239091636?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item46233fc1b4

I use one of these all the time and never have a problem with water leaks from Mirror housings......or anywhere else

 Do you dry the whole car with it, or just use it to blast out water in captive areas ?

Just captive areas..Its great on the Alloys too

Have a look at this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2800W-PET-DOG-HAIR-GROOMING-FUR-DRYER-HEATER-BLASTER-HAIRDRYER-BLACK-/301239091636?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item46233fc1b4

Now look at this:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/metro-vac-air-force-blaster/prod_992.html

Virtually the same machine

Petblaster is well over £100 cheaper!!

Yes I get this problem as well, not helped by cleaners using jet washers that fill the mirror housings with water.

I find the best way to remove the white marks is with a chamois leather, dip in really hot water, wring out hard and imediately wipe. Heat causes the now diluted white mark to evaporate instantaniously before it can reappear. Takes seconds and works a treat.

It also bugs me when they use liquid tyre black, as it doesn't have time to dry and so splats up the side of the car on the way home.

It does make the poor chaps jump when the go near my wheels and  I bellow "NO", then I have to tip them to make friends again .

Cleaners ? Chamois ? l hope you have your flameproof suit on !