Getting bugs off

[mcfarlandc]

Front end? What is the best way? I have a gas power washer but can I spray Simple green or something on it first to assist on getting them off? Thank you

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[stangdan26]

I've had great experience with this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ7HCI/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_CIXpvb15YJ446
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ7HCI/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_CIXpvb15YJ446

 

[unintelligible]

Front end? What is the best way? I have a gas power washer but can I spray Simple green or something on it first to assist on getting them off? Thank you

Living in Florida with our love bug problem I am all too familiar with this. I swear by this sponge I got on AutoGeek:

http://www.autogeek.net/best-bug-sponge.html

It doesn't scratch the paint and takes the bugs off no problem. When the bugs are heavy I usually try to soak the bumper in Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover before scrubbing, that seems to help even more.

 

[unintelligible]

I've had great experience with this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ7HCI/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_CIXpvb15YJ446
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ7HCI/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_CIXpvb15YJ446

I guess it depends on how serious the bugs are... I've bought sponges like these in the past and to try to take love bugs off with it - you might as well just be lightly caressing your bumper with a feather. Into the trash it went. We need serious stuff down here, and the sponge I linked works like gangbusters on anything.

 

[EngineerDave]

Depending on how bad they are, you might consider getting the car opticoated (the professionally applied coating not the consumer version) I had it done with paint correction (swirls from dealer, few transport scratches etc.) for around $600. It seems like a lot, but you never have to wax/seal the car again for at least 5 years (my detailer is convinced with the way I care for the car I'd probably not have to apply sealant/wax to for at least 10 years, if not "for ever.") All you have to do is clay the car 2 - 4 times a year along with regular washing. It's been about a month and so far it's still shines brighter than it did when I picked it up at the dealer.

The biggest benefit to the coating is it's resistance to any sort of chemical issues. Once it's fully cured, bugs, bird droppings, other crap just comes right up with a light misting of a detailing spray and a microfiber. It also resists nearly all chemicals once cured which really helps when dealing with that stupid gas cap placement (anyone else have to use one of those blue towels at a gas station to prevent gasoline from dripping down your car? D:< )

But seriously that Opticoat Pro or whatever is amazing for bugs. Light pressure from a water hose and they are nearly all come off, with very mild contact needed for the most stubborn splatters.

 

[aschueler]

I am amused that my first post here is about getting bugs off.

As another Floridian, I can tell you unintelligible has a good tip. Lovebugs, flies, and more creepy flying things than have names have met their end quite hard on my front bumpers. I have a gardening book about Florida, the chapter on bugs states "everything you have heard about bugs in Florida is true".

(That being said then biggest creepiest bugs to ever hit my windshield were in Illinois in the summer...but that only lasts for a short time, bug season goes close to year round here)

That lake country bug sponge is something I will try and is new to me, but here is what works for me.

First, use a good polish whenever you wash your car. Consider clay bar before the polish... A good polished surface cleans easier later. My favorite is Klasse all in one polish, which i put on a wet microfiber cloth and scrub the bug parts that remain after a wash.

After removing the bugs with washing and or polishing, assuming a clean surface, put a coating of carnuba wax of some sort or the Klasse glaze. Keeping wax or glaze on your paint and keeping up with it helps keep the bugs from sticking and they wash off easier. However, the longer they sit on your paint the worse, they can etch into the paint permanently.

Pressure washers and simple green can damage your paint...

 

[tsunami]

I like to give stuck-on bugs several soakings with warm (not too hot) water before I attempt to remove them. I haven't found much difference between big box store varieties of bug cleaner. The most important thing is to soak the bug residue.

By the way, NASA has chosen Shreveport, LA as their bug test site. Airplanes have the same problem as cars with bug residue. NASA's 757 test plane has had five different coats of material applied. The plane will fly in and out of Shreveport getting smeared with bugs. The coating that cleans off the easiest/quickest/cheapest will be recommended to Boeing. A clean wing uses less fuel to develop lift.
Reminds me of when I moved from MN to Louisiana...I couldn't believe the size of the night insects that were constantly impacting my windshield. The first time, I thought I had hit a small bat or bird, from the sound and mess.

 

[RIBS]

Try a small amount of water and a Bounce dryer sheet!, then normal wash and rinse. Works great!

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