The Birds And The Bees…

It is finally spring time! The sun is shining a little more, the air smells a little more fragrant, the insects have multiplied, and the birds have started to return. For your car, spring can be a mixed blessing. 

While here in the northwest the harsh weather begins to calm, allowing some reprieve to your cars paint, the bird and insect life is just getting into full swing. These two creatures can launch an all-out assault on the exterior of your car. Between the seemingly infinite number of bugs in the air and the metric tons of bird poop that rains from the sky, we recommend a diligent and attentive approach to your car’s paint.

We all know that bird poop is first and foremost gross, then ugly, and finally harmful. It is especially acidic. Bird droppings contain significant amounts of Uric acid with a pH of 3-4.5 (that’s pretty high). Its so high that it not only can eat through the paint on your car but can dissolve building materials! Pardon the language, but you do not want that sh#* on your car! If left long enough, it will ruin the finish.

Surprisingly, bugs can be just as harmful to your car. When a bug is unlucky enough to have its final resting place on your front bumper, fenders, or hood, the resulting juices will leave a lasting impression if not cleaned soon enough. If left too long, the bug actually etches the paint and the body of the bug begins to sink into the clear coat. This leaves a permanent spot in your paint you can not only see, but feel with your finger.

Have no fear, however! Both of these menaces can be easily cleaned right away. All you need is a mild soap and water mix. Even a mild glass cleaner will easily lift the stuff off of your car. Wipe it off with a micro fiber towel and you are good to go! The bugs may take a little more scrubbing but they will come off if they are fresh.

You can also give yourself a little insurance by making sure that your car always has a good coat of wax on it. This will provide a less sticky surface making cleaning easier and adds one more layer of protection.

Drive clean and enjoy the sun!