As summer lingers on, you’ll more than likely notice thousands of insects flying around. As a car owner, you notice them on your windshield and front end. Besides making a mess of your car, they also cause some other issues. Learn how you can safeguard your car from these creatures below.
3 Ways Insects Can Damage Your Vehicle
They Destroy the Paint Job: You might be surprised to learn that bugs not only make your car’s exterior look dirty but can dissolve it. This is because once they splatter on the car their body releases acid. This can result in the paint disintegrating. In some cases, it can also lead to etching which leaves behind permanent pits in the clear coat or paint.
They Can Clog the Radiator: A car’s radiator keeps your car from overheating. It ensures hot air moves out of the engine so it doesn’t overheat. Because of its front position, it’s an easy target for bugs as you drive. If you don’t clean out the radiator over time, you’ll find that a build-up of insects can lead to a slight blockage.
Weaken Windshield: As with the paint, the acid in a bug’s body can affect your windshield. This residue can weaken the glass making it more susceptible to chipping.
How to Stop Insect Damage
While you can’t completely halt bugs from getting on your car, you can do a few things to defend the vehicle from them.
One of the best methods is to regularly wash it. This won’t only make your car more stunning but quickly remove any acid left behind by them. If you don’t want to do a deep clean, simply take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe it around the car’s exterior. You could also purchase a bug sponge that contains special fibers that pick up bugs to prevent etching.
You might also want to apply a protective wax, especially around the bumper. This will prevent the insects from sticking to the metal or dissolving into it. You can do this yourself or stop by an autobody shop and have an expert do so for you.
Insects can cause shocking destruction to your vehicle. But, with these tips, you can easily protect your vehicle from them.
If your car paint is suffering from insect damage or you want to better safeguard it from them, stop by Downtown Autobody in Rohnert Park. Our team will be happy to inspect and fix any issues so your car stays looking new.
