Did you know that collection of pesky bugs you have on your car's bumper or hood can actually be causing damage to your vehicle? Some insects, like love bugs, secrete an acid-like substance from their bodies when they die. Over time, this substance can eat away the paint on your vehicle. The more of these insects you have on your vehicle, the greater the damage to your paint. Once the paint has worn away, the only thing you can do to repair this issue is to have your vehicle repainted. While you can't exactly prevent bugs from hitting your vehicle, you can minimize the damage they cause.
Use Wax
One of the simplest prevention tools is to use wax on your vehicle. Wax doesn't just make your car shine and look great, but it also serves as an invisible shield of protection for your vehicle. Make it a point to wax your vehicle at least once a week for the best result. This is especially true during the warmer months of the year when there are more bugs out.
When your vehicle's surface is coated with wax, the insects will still stick to your vehicle, but the wax prevents any substance the insect secretes from penetrating through and damaging the paint. If you don't feel like waxing your entire vehicle each week, at least take the time to coat your hood and bumper.
Wash Regularly
If you don't want to use wax, frequent washing is the next best thing to help you prevent insects from damaging your vehicle's paint. You should aim to wash the hood and bumper of your vehicle at least two times a week. However, if you drive on the expressway often, you will probably need to wash more frequently. Driving at higher speeds leads to a greater accumulation of insects.
Using a sponge, bucket of water and water hose, hose your vehicle down to remove the insects. Any insects that aren't removed by the hose can be removed with the wet sponge. If you don't have access to a water hose, a wet dryer sheet is also an effective way to rid your car of insects. Dryer sheets work because they are abrasive enough to remove the insects, but they are not so abrasive that they scratch your vehicle.
If insects have already done a number on your vehicle's paint job, have the issue addressed. Failing to have the paint repaired and failing to take future preventive measures will only cause your vehicle to look worse. (go here for information on collision auto body repair)
Share26 November 2014
