Bird Droppings

Bird droppings are a nuisance to any clean car. If you notice a dried bird dropping on your car’s finish, and you don’t have access to running water, these few simple steps will help tremendously

• Fold a microfiber polishing cloth four ways to create a strong wiping cloth.

• Spray one side of the polishing cloth with a spray detailer (Meguiar’s, Armor All, etc.).

• Place the lubricated side on top of the dried bird dropping.

• Allow the wet cloth to stand on the bird dropping for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Enclose the wet polishing cloth around the bird dropping. Bunch up the the sides of the cloth and lift the bird dropping off the paint. Do not wipe the bird dropping over the paint.

egging

Cleaning an egg off of your car is different than removing it from the side of your house. Kitchen products are not suitable for use on automotive paint. Although a car wash may sound like an easy fix, it might leave behind stains on your vehicle, as chemicals in the egg yolk can cause etching on car paint. As a result, the yolk can dull a car’s shiny finish. Follow these preliminary steps to prevent your car from losing its new finish.

• Hydrate the egg stain with water for a few minutes.

• Once the stain is entirely wet, use a commercial car-wash detergent and microfiber polishing cloth to rub the stain off.

• It may be necessary to use an auto-body rubbing compound to completely restore the clear coat shine. Before proceeding, call Advanced Auto Body as a precautionary measure.

• Egg shells can also cause paint chipping. Inspect paint after egg has been removed.

How Often to Wash Your Car

Frequent car washing is important to maintain your vehicle’s new finish. However, as simple as washing your car may seem, there are a few things to be aware of so that you don’t accidentally scratch or degrade your auto finish. Don’t wait for a layer of dirt to accumulate before washing your vehicle. Things like dead bugs, bird droppings, and chemicals in the air can filtrate acids that strip away car wax. Eventually these can be damaging to your car’s finish. It is important to wash off all of these harmful elements as soon as you have the opportunity. Washing your car weekly is a safe, preventative measure to keep its finish in the best shape possible.

What to Use on Your Car When Cleaning

Do not use household cleaning agents when cleaning your car. Products such as hand soap, dishwashing detergent and glass cleaner are not formulated for use on car paint. The best solution is to use a dedicated, mild car-wash product that is designed for automotive paint. Use a separate microfiber sponge or cloth around the wheel wells and lower edges of the car’s body. Grease, rubber, and road tar can often leave deposits around these areas. This debris could impair the car’s finish. Be sure whichever cleaner you are using on the wheel wells and lower body edges is compatible with the type of finish on your car. A formula intended for wheel wells may not be safe to use on the body of your car.

More Car Cleaning Tips

Rinse all surfaces of your car with water before removing dirt or washing off debris. Once the car is completely rinsed, focus on one section at a time and move the sponge or cloth from left to right rather than in circles. Moving a sponge in circles can cause scratches from trapped dirt. Continue to rinse your sponge with fresh water. Use a chamois to dry the car immediately after washing. Letting the car air dry can cause watermarks.