Rust Spots on Hood/Roof; What’s the Process?

[Sp33d Nut]

I purchased my 2025 Ram (bright white) in July 2025. I’ve only hand washed it and today noticed small rust spots on the roof near the windshield and hood in several places. I made an appointment to have the dealer look at it. I’ve never had to bring a new vehicle back for defective paint and want to understand what I might be in for with the dealership.

Can anyone educate me on what to expect from the dealership and what I should look out for?

 

[HSKR R/T]

I purchased my 2025 Ram (bright white) in July 2025. I’ve only hand washed it and today noticed small rust spots on the roof near the windshield and hood in several places. I made an appointment to have the dealer look at it. I’ve never had to bring a new vehicle back for defective paint and want to understand what I might be in for with the dealership.

Can anyone educate me on what to expect from the dealership and what I should look out for?

Your hood is aluminum, so the hood isn't rusting. It's probably just rail dust from shipment . Need to use IronX to lift the iron dust, that is rusting, and then clay bar to clean all contamination off the paint. Then apply a good sealant or was of your choice.

Or if you care about your truck and how it looks take it to a professional shop for paint correction and ceramic coating. The DIY stuff you buy in local stores isn't the same level as professional ceramic coating.

 

[Sp33d Nut]

Your hood is aluminum, so the hood isn't rusting. It's probably just rail dust from shipment . Need to use IronX to lift the iron dust, that is rusting, and then clay bar to clean all contamination off the paint. Then apply a good sealant or was of your choice.

Or if you care about your truck and how it looks take it to a professional shop for paint correction and ceramic coating. The DIY stuff you buy in local stores isn't the same level as professional ceramic coating.

Thanks for the reply. Makes total sense. I didn’t even think about the hood being aluminum. I thought about the fenders, doors and tailgate, but not the hood. The rust on the roof is probably rail dust too.

Now I’m curious if the dealership will have a detailer correct it. I’m thinking probably not after reading other posts and the unwillingness of dealerships to support their products.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Thanks for the reply. Makes total sense. I didn’t even think about the hood being aluminum. I thought about the fenders, doors and tailgate, but not the hood. The rust on the roof is probably rail dust too.

Now I’m curious if the dealership will have a detailer correct it. I’m thinking probably not after reading other posts and the unwillingness of dealerships to support their products.

It's not a warranty issue. If the dealer has a derail shop, they will clean it, but will probably charge you