If you’ve ever parked your car under a tree in Rohnert Park, even for a short time, then you understand the frustration of finding it covered in splotches of bird poop when you get ready to drive it afterward. That debris from insects that you sometimes notice splattered all over your front end is just as annoying. How about those nagging water spots caused by an unexpected rain shower on your way to work, or the high-powered sprinkler system in your next door neighbor’s yard? Building construction, road work, and sappy trees are some other irritants that can cause your car to look like it hasn’t been washed in ages. Here are six tips for getting rid of those problems in your paint without spending too much money.
Bird poop damage
Any vehicle that is subjected to uncovered parking is susceptible to nature’s winged creatures. No make or model is safe. They’ll shed their digested remains on a Porsche just as quickly as they will on a Pontiac. One obvious way to remedy the mess they leave behind is to use a car cover when you’re not driving. Of course, you don’t always have time to cover your vehicle when you’re going about your daily home to work routine, or even just a quick trip to the neighborhood grocery store. The damage that bird droppings can do to your paint job could be permanent if left too long. So, the first thing is to be sure to clean it as quickly as possible. You can repair this damage by polishing the paint with a good dual-action car polisher. You should take care not to over polish the area, as this kind of repair makes the paint thinner. For best results, consult a professional autobody paint technician. After all, it’s much cheaper to get their help now than wait until the damage requires a full paint job!
Insect remains
Removing dried insect remains is a bit less involved than getting rid of bird poop. You need to loosen and dissolve them with a good, paint-safe, cleaner or solvent. Applying a small dab of a pre-wax cleaner to the stain using a paint-safe sponge is recommended. Cover the spot with a piece of tissue, and let it sit for a few minutes. Remove the tissue by pinching it and lifting upward, then wipe the area softly with the back of the tissue.
Water spots
Vinegar seems to be a great remedy for many household hacks, but it is a great choice for preserving the quality of your vehicle’s paint job as well. When it rains, or even when you wash your car, trace elements in the water are left behind once it evaporates. Calcium and metal deposits present in water can harden after being exposed to sunlight. Hence, those pesky water spots and maybe some more extensive damage you didn’t count on. Vinegar is a good remedy for removing the spots from aluminum, plastic and rubber, as well as your paint. Simply wipe the vinegar on after a normal car washing. Remember to apply to only one section at a time at 30 to 60 minute intervals. Then wash and rinse the car again.
Cement splatter
If you live or work near a construction site, beware of splattering cement. Try to be preventative by parking as far away from the area as possible. If that’s just too much of a hassle, then it’s also vinegar to the rescue here. Pour some distilled white vinegar into a bucket, soaking a clean sponge in it. Place the sponge on the cement stain, but do not wipe it. Let it sit on the stain for 2-3 minutes and then flush it with clean water, repeating as needed. Be prepared to wax the car after using vinegar, as it can remove the wax. If you feel you are too much of a novice to achieve the best results, then contact your local autobody professional.
Final thoughts
Even the smallest creatures or most common occurrences in nature can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s paint. There are some inexpensive ways to remedy the problems caused by everything from bird droppings to construction cement. If you find that you just don’t have the time, expertise, or energy to devote to the task of cleaning up behind nature, give Downtown Autobody a call. We’re here to serve your autobody repair needs.
