Answers to sticky problem of removing bug goo

Published on June 26, 2014 08:38 PM in Car Care

That rubber wiper at the gas station won’t always remove the caked insect carcasses from your windshield. Similarly, tap water and a paper towel won’t wipe away splattered remnants of those dragon flies, gnats and mosquitoes hovering above the nation’s roads.“

Bug guts are made up of what all living creatures are made up of–proteins, fats, and carbohydrates,” said Thomas Kalagher, Prestone Performance’s product development manager. “This causes them to stick very well to surfaces like glass and paint. Insect fatty tissues act like glue, and Kalagher said the longer a dead pest stays on your car, the more difficult it is to remove, especially when it’s on the paint.

“Bugs won’t really damage your windshield but they can wear away at the clear coat on your paint,” he said. “It’s important to wash your car often and use a quality wax to protect the exterior.Timing is crucial in preventing your windshield and fender from looking like a mass grave of pests, he said. "The bug is easiest to remove before it is allowed to dry in the sun, so make a habit of using your washer fluid shortly after impact,” Kalager said. This is especially true in summer because of the role hot weather plays in insect decomposition, said Michael Schultz, the vice president of product development at Turtle Wax.“

The hot conditions of summer can accelerate the interaction of the bug remains with the paint finish,” he said. “The organic acids within them can result in paint etching that is hard to remove.”If you’ve been less than vigilant on removing bugs, Schultz said, a good place to start would be with a car wash and towel dry to remove as much as possible. Then, he said, a specialized stain remover would help tackle the trouble spots. Kalagher and Schultz have the following suggestions for keeping your vehicle bug free this summer:

Prepare yourself: Fill the window wash tank with fluid or additives designed for bug removal. A quality bug fluid helps remove gooey insect parts and prevent streaking when you use windshield wipers.
An ounce of prevention: Look for products designed to keep bugs from sticking to vehicle surfaces. Be sure it is intended for automobile surfaces and can rinse off easily.
Avoid harsh solvents: detergents or other household cleaners can permanently damage paint and rubber surfaces.
Use the right tool for the job: A car sponge with soft netting traps insect parts. Gently wipe the surface and rinse the sponge frequently. Insect parts trapped in the netting can act like sandpaper.