Vacation time and bugs?

A

armoredsaint

New member
How does everyone take care of all the bug splatter and other crud while driving your car on vacation, we are going from OH to NC and back... I was thinking about taking QD, microfiber, Einzett insect cleaner.



I don't think I will have time to hand wash it in NC, I will try to find a self-serve or...ahem a real soft-cloth wash as a last choice :eek: But of course, I will give it a full detail once I am back in OH, I assume bug cleaners kill all types of wax and sealants.



Thanks
 
I have heard putting 7UP on the front of the hood and grill with panty hose. i heard that on a tv show but i have personally never done that. the people on tv said it really kept bugs from sticking.

i reckon if you are desperate it could be worth a try, good luck
 
Honestly, I usually don't worry about the bugs on road trips. It's something that just can't be avoided. I do put an extra layer of 476S on the car before the trip, and that does make any cleanup that I do attempt a little easier.



When you get where you're going, try to find a car wash and spray off what you can.
 
I just apply a couple coats of wax on the front before the trip. While on the trip I'll Soak the bugs with a good detail spray and then spray them off at a DIY carwash.
 
I'm with the guy and use painters tape I mask mine up and I wouldn't do it any other way, if your serious about your ride you'll do what it takes and honestly I like masking numbers and stuff on the hood lol etc..it comes off easy and clean when you get up there...then reapply before coming back down
 
They sell those spray on bras (temporary, then you peel it off when done) cans at Pepboys. Might be worth a consideration.
 
I make sure that I have recently applied my LSP, and I sometimes use something on the durability side (Collinite) versus my usual summer Natty's Blue.



I have used a spray-bay going to and from NC myself (Outer Banks). When I get home, the foam gun comes out. I let 'er soak for a while, then wash. It gets foamed again, and then clayed. A re-application of the LSP, and I am good to go.



I haven't always washed while at the beach. I like to enjoy the week, knowing I have enough of an arsenal to do the job when I get home.
 
Few coats of Z5-pro and you done. :chuckle:

I just came back from Ocean City,MD. I got tons of bugs in the front bumper, I sprayed some PB SnW and magically fall right off. Only tough part was in the radiator, I need to really spray ton of water on it in order to get those bugs out.
 
Like everyone is saying, put extra wax on the paint, especially the areas where the paint will encounter the most air friction (hood, windshield, etc..) Have some QD handy to get the bugs off during your trip. With a fresh layer of wax and QD, you should be fine :)
 
Bug splatters are hard to overcome however you can lessen them if you slow down abit on your driving. I tend to notice that bug splatters are less when driving 70mph to 65 mph... 80 and up would be a buffet on my winshield and bumper :) Plus a new coat of wax and some QD and microfibers and your good to go :)
 
I would not want to let the bugs stay on the car for a week. They are full of acid and will eat through the sealant, the clear coat and etch the paint (eventually). This takes a few days at least, so there is no reason to panic, but I would bring some spray (a dilluted mixture of water and your car wash soap or some QEW) and a microfibre towel to two in order to get the bugs off at your destination. Let the bugs get soaked and sit for a while, because you don't want to scratch the paint rubbing them off.



PS: I'd rather have bugs to remove than slow down to 65 or 70 on an all day drive. Who has that kind of time?
 
I agree with everyone else. Put on a couple of sealant layers and bring along some S&W or QD. I also have used the 1Z stuff and QD and it works pretty well.



I travel alot and have found that if I keep multiple layers of sealant on the front and mirrors, the bugs come right off at the end of the day. Just had a 600 mile RT (in 1 day) and when I got home, lots of bugs. The areas where I had applied a few coats of SG and FX Spray, the bugs came off with qd EASILY.
 
Welcome to NC! Abet alittle early. The bugs here can get bad in the summer. Send me a PM if you need some specific info on the local scene.
 
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