What might happen if you spilled a soft drink (contains carbonic acid) on the hood of a car and did not rinse it off?

If you spilled a soft drink containing carbonic acid on the hood of a car and did not rinse it off, the acid could begin to corrode the car's paint over time. The sugar and other ingredients in the soft drink could also attract dirt and grime, leading to further damage. Prolonged exposure might result in discoloration or etching of the paint surface, ultimately affecting the car's appearance and potentially its resale value. It's advisable to clean up any spills promptly to prevent such damage.