How to Remove Bugs from a Car

The one element characteristic to the summer months that we all could live without: bugs. Those nasty acidic demons have no understanding of the rules of the road. They plaster themselves all over the front of the vehicle, and to make things worse, they dry immediately to hardness not unlike Titanium. The surface of the vehicle must be cleaned at the first convenience to prevent the bug's acidic base from compromising the paint and chrome surfaces. Never use a silicone spray used for lubrication, as it will soak into the pores of the paint and eventually lift the paint. With the proper plan of attack, the damage can be minimized.

Things You'll Need

• Eraser pads as used in home cleaning degreasers
• Body shop clay eraser
• Bug remover sprays and various liquids sold at auto parts stores to remove bugs
• Bug blocker sprays for the prevention of accumulation of bugs on the paint
• Water hose
• Dishwashing detergent
• Soft brush
• Drying cloth
• Good grade of car wax
• Buffing towel

Instructions

1. Park the vehicle in the shade. If sufficient shade is not available for the whole vehicle, at least shade the front of the vehicle to drop the temperature of the surface.

2. Remove the bugs with the eraser cloth from home cleaning supplies by simply rubbing slowly over the bugs. The pads have a chemical that softens them quickly, and they can be wiped away.

3. Rinse the front of the vehicle with water for a few minutes to cool the surface and soften the bugs slightly. Towel-dry just enough to remove the standing water.

4. Spray the lubricant for the clay eraser over a 2-foot area -- the spray dries, so only spray a 2-foot area. Rub the clay eraser over the bugs and they will come right off. Knead the clay often to maintain a clean side.

5. Spray the bug remover spray over the entire area to be debugged and allow it to sit for a minute or two. Respray the area. Wipe the area with a soft brush to remove the bugs, then rinse with water.

6. Wash the vehicle, using a dish detergent and soft brush, to rid the area of the last remnants of bugs; follow with a rinse. Although these steps will remove the bugs, they will also remove all traces of protective sealant, such as wax and silicones.

7. Wax the vehicle to restore the protective surface that blocks the UV rays. Apply the wax or sealant according to directions for the particular brand purchased. Apply a second coat to the front of the vehicle. Bugs will not stick to a freshly polished paint.

8. Apply a coat of a temporary spray bug blocker of your choice, if a heavy concentration of bugs is expected. These blockers are sprayed on and stay on temporary. They do not affect the wax, as advertised.

Tips & Warnings

• Body shop clay eraser used with an accompanying spray lubricant works excellent as well. Clay eraser is used by body shops to rid the car of overspray after a paint job. You can find it in most auto parts stores.