With summer in full swing, many of us are enjoying fun road trips, outdoor adventures, and cruising with the windows down. But along with these summer joys comes an annoying hitchhiker – bugs. While those drives are enjoyable, the splattered bugs on your bumper and windshield are anything but. What most people don't realize is that bug guts can actually cause significant damage to your vehicle if not addressed promptly.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF BUG GUTS ON YOUR PAINT:
Bug guts might seem like a minor annoyance, but they can cause real trouble for your car's paint job. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore them:
Etching and Staining: Bug remains, especially those from hard-shelled insects like beetles, contain acidic compounds that can eat into your car's paint. This can leave behind stains and marks that won't come off easily, diminishing the overall appearance of your vehicle.
Sun-Baked Bugs: Even bugs with less acidic guts can become a problem when baked by the sun. The heat and UV rays turn the sticky mess into a stubborn, paint-dulling disaster. Once dried and baked in, these residues are tough to remove and can leave permanent marks.
Corrosion and Rust: Bug guts can also lead to corrosion and rust. When mixed with moisture, the acids in bug remains create a perfect setup for rusting, especially on spots like the front grille, hood, and fenders of your vehicle.
HOW TO SAVE YOUR CARS PAINT:
Now that you know the potential damage bug guts can cause, let’s see how regular car washing can help keep your ride looking fresh:
Timely Removal: Wash your car regularly, especially during bug season, to get rid of those guts ASAP. This stops the acidic compounds from damaging the paint, reducing the risk of etching, staining, and overall wear. Swing by your local Autowash for a quick clean-up with our touchless washes or self-serve bays. This will save you from costly repairs in the future.
Preservation of Protective Layers: Washing your car not only gets rid of bug guts but also other grime like dirt, pollen, and bird droppings. This helps maintain the protective wax, sealant, or coating on your car, which acts as a shield. The more often you clean and protect your car, the better it’ll look in the long run.
No Scrubbing or Wiping: Bugs have hard outer shells mixed with their juicy insides, making them abrasive. Scrubbing or wiping them off can scratch your paint. Always avoid touching bug guts directly.
Bug guts might seem like a small problem, but they can cause big damage if left unchecked. Regular and timely car washes, especially with the touchless wash methods at Autowash, and maintaining a protective layer of wax or sealant can play an important role in preventing this. By removing bug remains and maintaining your car's paint, you'll keep your vehicle looking great for all those summer drives. Before you hit the road, make sure your car is clean and bug-free to keep it looking shiny and new for years to come.
Removing bugs is a breeze with an Autowash Membership! It pays for itself in just two visits a month. However, you don’t need to be a member to enjoy Autowash – download our app and start saving on every wash with exclusive in-app discounts!