Best/safest way to remove bugs and tar from paint?

M

MSIGuy

New member
Well, I drive a Polar White Scion xB, otherwise known as a box. This thing has just about as much frontal area as a darn semi, so bugs are a huge problem. Being white, it also shows every gnat and mosquito that I hit.



I'm wondering what the safest way to remove bugs and tar is? I've seen all sorts of spray's and solvents, but I'm weary of damaging my paint. I've seen special sponges, sprays, everything, but I want to know what you guys use and what's 100% safe for my car. I can be a bit klutzy at times, so I need foolproof.



Thanks!
 
if a wash will remove them without too much scrubbing, that is probably safer than a bug removal chemical.



So IMO, a good ONR wash
 
Noting that sometimes bugs can etch paint quite severely, requiring abrasive polishing to fix the damage...



I usually use Sonus green Ultra-Fine clay. If the contamination isn't too severe, I can clay gently enough that I won't have to redo the LSP. Bug/tar removers will also remove the LSP, and I'd rather not have to rewax if I can help it.



But other than removing the LSP, I wouldn't worry about any downside from modern, high-end bug removers. It's the older-tech ones that I'd be leery of...the old TW stuff in the white metal can was abrasive enough to mar paint.



If I have a *lot* of tar, and know I'll have to rewax anyhow, I use AutoInt's New Car Prep. As solvents go it's pretty cheap, and I have no fears at all about it doing any damage.
 
So, my friend tells me to use Rosingu (sp?) lighter fluid, but I just don't feel like putting that on my paint. He says its safe, but I'm reluctant to believe him, amd I right in doing so?
 
MSIGuy said:
So, my friend tells me to use Rosingu (sp?) lighter fluid, but I just don't feel like putting that on my paint. He says its safe, but I'm reluctant to believe him, amd I right in doing so?
Click to expand...



Ahh... I would be reluctant to use lighter fluid on my paint so I think your instincts are right on this one. :idea
 
He keeps telling me he knows more than me (which he might) and that he uses that stuff on $80k caddys so its good enough for a $15k Scion. Same one that said I need to get some car care stuff "that doesn't come from Wal-Mart". Well, I've got all Meguiars's stuff, I don't think that quite qualifies as crap, maybe not the best, but not bad!
 
Lighter fluid will not hurt your paint but it will remove any wax/sealant that on the vehicle. The problem with "lighter fluid" is its volatility. It will "flash" long before you remove any well attached bugs. If you must use a organic solvent, try WD40, gasoline in a well vented no flame area or kerosene. You must wax after using any of these products.
 
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