Hi everyone,
My 99 LS has been getting these weird spots all along the top, hood, and trunk. I usually have the car under a cover. The spots are not rough at all. The clear is fine but the paint seems to be getting defected under it. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

my paint is original from 1997 and I have not seen any spots like that at all. the only thing I can think of is left over tree sap or bird dropping being etched into the finish or maybe even egg residue from your local hazing ritual.
was the car ever repainted? a poorly prepared paint surface will cause that as well.

 

it's the original paint. I've always taken good care of the paint. these spots didn't turn up until I started putting it under a cover. is it crazy to think that a car cover would cause this?

 

you may have just answered your question. when I used to use a car cover, cold mornings would produce dew between the cover and the car. then the sun would bring heat, so I'd imagine water trapped cannot be good for the paint as it tries to evaporate.
it can also be a transfer of the dye in the cover to the paint.

what kind of wax do you use?

a good paint correction can get the stains off if it's truly just on the surface.

 

Be aware, too, that clearcoat can wear out after repeated waxings, but the gloss can still be apparent. Your best test to see if you are getting oxidation in the paint is to hit it with a mild cleaner/wax like Mothers California Gold (not the mostly clear carnauba, but the white stuff) using a white paper towel. If the clearcoat is intact, there will not be a darkening. If it darkens, then you are through the clearcoat and are picking up metal flakes.