Swirl marks are small scratches on your car’s paint that you don’t see when you get up close or the sun reaches it at the right angle. Swirl marks may also be caused by inappropriate washing and detailing methods, as well as rubbing your car with a dry towel (usually when it’s dusty). Swirl marks are most visible on flat surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk. They will also appear on the doors and fenders of the dark-colored surfaces.