Bumper Bugs
The front bumper is one of the most recognizable parts of a vehicle. Auto enthusiasts can often name the make, year, and model by just a glance at the front grill. I love the styling cues of the front of the car; it makes the personality of that particular vehicle. Unfortunately, the front of the car takes quite a beating. One of the main culprits for ruining a nice looking bumper is bugs. This post is to help you understand and prevent damage from these seemingly unavoidable creatures.
So what's so bad about bugs? When a bug hits your vehicle, it releases an enzyme that is meant to break down the bug body. This same enzyme also starts to break down and stain your clear coat. Long after the bugs go splat, they will continue to cause damage. Left unchecked, your bumper can go from brand new to looking way beyond its years in a short amount of time.
As a detailer, I can tell how long bugs have been on a vehicle by how hard it is to remove them and if there is etching in the paint after they are gone. Leaving bugs on a vehicle for even a few weeks can cause irreversible damage to your paint. So, what can you do?
Prevention is key:
Wax and Seal – A proper wax or sealant helps prevent bugs from sticking and damaging your clear coat.
Remove bugs ASAP, no longer than 1 week – Do not let bugs sit on your car for weeks at a time. That is plenty of time for the enzymes to wear down your clear coat. It sounds tedious, but getting them off as soon as possible is ideal, even if you don't wash the rest of your car. Use a quick detail spray such as Mother's California Gold Instant Detailer and a microfiber cloth. During your weekly car wash, let your pH neutral car wash soak on the bumper while washing your vehicle and the bugs should be easier to remove. A pH neutral car wash does not strip your wax or sealant.
Stuck on bugs need bug remover – For harder jobs, there are dedicated bug and tar removers you can get at your local auto parts store. Another option is paint safe automotive all purpose cleaners. These products, paired with a bug sponge, are meant to pre-treat bug-filled areas before washing, making bugs easier to remove. Do not use these chemicals alone without rinsing them off, as they are harsher. They also strip off and require you to reapply your wax or sealant.
Or call your IDA certified auto detailer – professional detailers have all the equipment and chemicals available to restore your vehicle without causing any damage.
Remember prevention is the key. If you stay on top of maintaining your vehicle, it will be much easier to remove the contaminants and your vehicle will look great for years. And if you don't have time to maintain your vehicle yourself, call me and we can set up a maintenance program. If you have any questions, shoot me an email or call. Happy Detailing!
Micah Miller Certified Detailer
Reference: Autogeek.net
