What Does Acid Rain Damage Look Like on a Car?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on September 29th, 2025

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Summary

  • Acid rain damage on a car appears as unsightly marks, blemishes, and irregularly shaped etched areas caused by the destruction of the top coat and paint.

  • If left untreated, leftover acid material can weaken and corrode the metal beneath the paint.

  • Acid rain damage can be minimized by parking under a roof, washing the vehicle after rainfall, and applying wax every three months.

Car exterior damaged by acid rain | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

When acid rain falls on a vehicle and isn’t cleaned quickly, it can destroy the top coat and the paint underneath. As it eats away at the paint, acid rain leaves unsightly marks and blemishes as well as irregularly shaped, permanently etched areas on the vehicle surface. 

Is Acid Rain Damage Serious?

If left unaddressed for too long, the acidity of the substances left behind after acid rain can do more than just damage a vehicle’s top coat and paint. The metal might weaken and corrode as a result of leftover acid material. Because of this, it’s strongly recommended to clean your vehicle after it stops raining. 

How to Prevent Acid Rain Damage

Because it’s impossible to prevent acid rain, it’s better to take steps and precautions to shield your vehicle from it instead. Here are some handy tips to keep your vehicle safe from acid rain damage.

  • Park your vehicle somewhere with a roof, so it’s shielded from the rain.
  • Always wash your vehicle after it rains.
  • Wax your vehicle at least once every three months.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

Share
Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician