How to remove lots of bugs?

[Chester11]

Hey folks:

I took my 2 year old car on a 1000 mile trip - and it is pretty covered in bugs.

I'm clueless about detailing.

Is a bug and tar remover the way to go, or a clay bar?

I'm guessing whatever I do will strip the wax, and I need to apply something after. What should I use? (Spray would be preferred - paste seems to always get everywhere).

 

[JohnnyG]

Just hose it off with water a few times and let it soak between sprays. That will soften the bugs. Then a wash with a car wash soap and you should be good to go.
Don't forget to check the radiator for bug buildup too.

 

[Boomer]

I have noticed this summer here in central PA the absolute lack of bugs on my car. They seem to be almost non-existent when I drive compared to 10 years ago. I guess the insect apocalypse is real.

 

[mrsilv04]

Hand towels/shop towels soaked in hot water, and then drape them across the buggy surfaces however you can. Let the steam and warmth soften them up for a few minutes.

 

[vavavroom]

Nylon mesh bug sponge! Get that acidic bug juice off now.

https://www.amazon.com/Carrand-40106-Nylon-Bug-Sponge/dp/B001RMS6CY

 

[spasm3]

Nylon mesh bug sponge! Get that acidic bug juice off now.

https://www.amazon.com/Carrand-40106-Nylon-Bug-Sponge/dp/B001RMS6CY

I use one like that from Walmart.

 

[RooflessVW]

Superior Dark Fury.

Don't let it dry.

 

[Inked]

I have noticed this summer here in central PA the absolute lack of bugs on my car. They seem to be almost non-existent when I drive compared to 10 years ago. I guess the insect apocalypse is real.

Same here. I think they all migrated to Upper NY. I spent a few weeks in Clinton County a few months ago and I couldn’t believe how many painted my car.

 

[JavierH19]

Just scrape them off and have them for dinner. You wouldn't want any non organic store bought bugs now would you. Get the organic free range ones.

 

[Chester11]

Is a pressure washer too aggressive? (from a distance I mean - not right up on it).

 

[RooflessVW]

Is a pressure washer too aggressive? (from a distance I mean - not right up on it).

No

 

[Duffyjr]

Check this out, I remember when @BeerCan posted this one. I've never seen such a mess 😲

I hate Florida twice a year

So lovebug season again. My truck was spotless yesterday, but here we are I went through the whole WW reservoir that I filled yesterday and I still have this. Looking for a few recommendations Wipers that can handle the abuse of these bugs. I have Bosch Icons now and they are crying...

bobistheoilguy.com

 

[BeerCan]

Check this out, I remember when @BeerCan posted this one. I've never seen such a mess 😲

I hate Florida twice a year

So lovebug season again. My truck was spotless yesterday, but here we are I went through the whole WW reservoir that I filled yesterday and I still have this. Looking for a few recommendations Wipers that can handle the abuse of these bugs. I have Bosch Icons now and they are crying...

bobistheoilguy.com

I'm glad I don't live in Florida anymore

 

[slo town]

Hand towels/shop towels soaked in hot water, and then drape them across the buggy surfaces however you can. Let the steam and warmth soften them up for a few minutes.

Yes!. And be sure to mix in some car wash solution (not something like Dawn) to your hot water mix. Keep the rags wet with a spray bottle of your mix. Let it sit wet for an hour and the bugs should wash right off.

I use full size bath towels. That way they drape over the body and stay in place when they hang down over the lower portion of the front clip. For a heavily "bugged" car this is my first step, before even starting to wash the car.

And after I'm done I always spray the front end with some kind of quick wax. Don't forget this final step.

Scott

 

[Hermann]

Deleted

 

[Chester11]

thanks folks - using warm water really helped. everything came right off. very easy.

 

[RTexasF]

When I detailed for my living I used this for severe cases, saved me time & money:

Bug Squash 16oz

poorboysworld.com

 

[zzyzzx]

I have noticed this summer here in central PA the absolute lack of bugs on my car. They seem to be almost non-existent when I drive compared to 10 years ago. I guess the insect apocalypse is real.

They might not be on your car, but take a walk in the woods and see how many ticks you will pick up.

 

[zzyzzx]

thanks folks - using warm water really helped. everything came right off. very easy.

If your car was waxed properly before the trip, I would expect the bugs to come off easily enough.

 

[Chester11]

If your car was waxed properly before the trip, I would expect the bugs to come off easily enough.

yeah - I was surprised. most of my recent cars were parked on baltimore city streets - waxing scratched up bumpers seemed like a waste of time.