Fellow Santa Fe (2007+) Owener's:

Anybody else experience a high degree of small rust spots covering their Santa Fe? It's especially noticeable on my Arctic White AWD LTD paint, assembled in late 2006, Alabama.

I spent about 8 hrs on Saturday using 3M rubbing compound along w/ Meguire's clay bar system over the entire vehicle to remove the spots and blemishes. Finishing w/ a good coat of wax, the Santa Fe looks better than brand new, but my arms/shoulders/hands have certainly paid the price.

This is probably my first major disappointment with the Santa Fe so far. Just wondering if there's any other recourse available for this condition, should it arise again? I don't think my body could take another 8 hours session with the clay bar.

If you do a search on these forums there was another guy on here that had rail dust on his car. I believe he got a new car as there is no way to get rid of rail dust unless you completely repaint it.

I had a small scratch on drivers side door and along top of the door and it was hard enough for them to fix that let alone rail dust.

Keep us posted it will be interesting to see what they say.

Sounds like the guy in the other posts noticed this upon his delivery of the new truck. I've had mine since october and b/c of the limited amount of washes/wax (time/weather constraints) I haven't noticed the rail dusts/rust spots until now.

Looking at the photos from the guy who had his silver Santa Fe replaced, I would say that mine were just as bad, only more noticeable b/c of the Arctic White paint background. Too bad I didn't take any photos myself. He mentioned NOT being able to remove the spots w/ rubbing compound or clay...I did have success, although with a fair amount of elbow grease.

I'm hoping that with more frequent washing & waxing, I'll be able to eliminate or at least slow down the appearance of these blemishes.

Unless they reappear in the same concentration, I don't think I'll be seeing the dealership about it.

That would be me .
It was a tough fight but did get a new vehicle.
Here is the link:

My rail dust problem

Most "rail dust" is actually just little flecks of road tar mixed with oxidizing minerals. They quietly accumulate over time, until one day you suddenly notice all nine thousand of them and conclude that the reason your new car was such a good deal is that it is actually a recycled '73 Chevy Vegas. Relax. These flecks are everywhere... even on your plastic bumper covers.

If it really bugs you, try rubbing with a soft cloth and WD-40. Wax afterwards. I would avoid rubbing compounds or clay bars on a newer car. Better yet, just pop open a beer and keep repeating to yourself, "It's a car and it's going to get dirty... it's a car and it's going to get dirty" :beer:

Doubtful that this road tar and oxidizing minerals distributed themselves all over the car the way they did. Again, very noticeable on the white paint of my Santa Fe, and made me second guess my decision to try a Hyundai vs. the Hondas our families have bought (worry-free) for the past 10 years. You would probably feel the same if you saw these freckles, having spent 27 g's on a truck less than a year old.

Regardless, the Santa needed a good wash/wax anyway. I'll be waxing more frequently from now on.

on another note, I removed the bumper reflectors and replaced with working marker and turn signal lights.

Bumper Lights

Looks great and the turn signals really stand out now (no more washing out w/ the break lights on). pictures soon on another post.

Whatever the cause of the phenomenon, it is not unique to Hyundai. My first encounter with "rail dust" was on a brand new white Honda Civic, and I have observed it on every light-coloured car I have owned since. Regardless, good luck with it!

Look for a product called fallout remover, not sure if you can find in local auto parts store. Ask a local body shop where they buy their paint & materials (jobber). The jobber should have it in stock or at least be able to get it for you. I keep a gallon on hand in my store at all times. http://www.autodetail-school.com/detail-ti...ial-fallout.php has a brief explanation of rail dust & use of fallout remover.

This post has been edited by Mud Duck: Jun 13 2008, 07:37 PM