There is a problem on my dad's Audi A4 that has been bugging him for ages. Basically, the chrome strips along the bottom of the windows on the doors and the strip on the boot have what looks similar to water marks all over them.

A number of things we have tried just won't touch it. Car polish, vinegar, duraglit/brasso/silvo, special chrome cleaner that can be used on kitchen sinks etc. None of these make it worse or better, the stains are simply invincible.

Even a car valeting guy we sometimes use has no answer but says it is common with Audi's. So Mr Valeter or anyone else who wants to throw ideas in, how do we solve this problem? LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I heard that toothpaste is good for that  BETTER looking half of the famous Twinlanders
The wanna be other half - http://www.freel2.com/forum/member-carriec.html

I had this on my Insignia grill when it was 4 days old. It was down to the valeter that prepped the car using too strong a hydrochloric acid based pre-wash on chromed plastic.

Click image to enlarge

Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated

I know the marks that are being talked about i think once they are there thats about it.

Not surprised if they are using battery acid to clean it, wonder its not stripped off the paint too.

HCI (diluted heavily) is/was used by a lot of valeters to remove brake dust from alloy wheels. On this occasion, the prat used it as a TFR as well, with disastrous consequences. Hard to believe that a Vauxhall Main Delaler could hire such a dimwit, but then it was Slough after al!  Foraging near Gaydon....
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MY13 HSE Lux SD4, Baltic Blue - current, 30,000> miles without fault
MY12 HSE 2.2 SD4, Sumatra Black - gone after 10 months/43,000 fault-free miles

sorry, never had to tackle that before so can't offer any other advice other thank try a search on www.detailingworld.com Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

HAve similar marking on my number plate and my details said it's a new number plate job.

I'm blaming the road traffic film remover used in the local car wash

Intriguing folks, thanks. I sent a PM to The Valeter about this post so hopefully he will be along soon.

I think we need a sub forum for members with a very particular set of skills who can give advice on here. I can help with law, CG has farming covered, Valeter speaks for himself, etc etc  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey