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Cleaning bugs off bumper?

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Old 08-17-06, 10:31 AM
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BounceNY
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Question Cleaning bugs off bumper?

I do a lot of commuting and in doing so I get a ton of bugs on my bumper. What is the best way to get these off? Moisten them up with water and then wipe off? I'm looking at doing this quite often and dont want to ruin the paint, thats why I'm thinking of simply using water.

What do you guys recommend? (Thanks in advance.)

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Old 08-17-06, 10:34 AM
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4TehNguyen
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do clay bars work on bugs
Old 08-17-06, 10:54 AM
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BounceNY
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Did some research, most say to wax the car to prevent the bugs from sticking, which I strongly agree with. Also, some clean them off with "Quick Detail", and Clay bar for the really sticky ones. Some even suggested using WD-40 and non-stick cooking spray before you drive, it may help but seems like it would attract a lot of dirt as well making the car look dirty.

Are there any other tips? Whats a good spray on wax you guys would recommend?

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Old 08-17-06, 11:01 AM
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socalJD
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Get a clear bra. Bugs and other crap will just wash off with water. A clear bar is the best way to protect the front of the car and preserve the original paint . . .
Old 08-17-06, 11:05 AM
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G35TOIS350
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i just blast them off with the car wash wand then go home and hand wash the car. would love clear bra but its $650 here and i still need to buy $1K worth of winter tires and sensors before the snow flies
Old 08-21-06, 09:24 AM
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vassey50
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I have (had i should say) the same problem until i started using the P21S wax line of products. Everytime i take a long drive i apply the wax and when i get to where i'm going the suckers just fall off with some QD or hose. I would say other waxes would do just fine, but if you can get a hold of P21S, you'll love it. Plus it's very highly rated for your car.

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Old 08-21-06, 06:15 PM
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jfelbab
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I find the Meguiar's Versa-Angle Body Brush to work great for removing bugs. Lest you all think this would scratch you need to see this brush. It is soft and yet it can be used to agitate the area and slide the bugs off cleanly.

Old 08-21-06, 09:01 PM
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darksparkz
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Use bug and tar removers? Something like that would remove the wax. You spray and let it soak for a while then wipe off with a brush or just a terry towel. Clay bar would remove some bugs, but you rather use the clay bar to remove smaller particles of dirt, since bugs can be removed with brush/bug remover spray.
Old 08-22-06, 05:30 PM
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Goo Gone works great for bugs, especially those damn love bugs that have the acidic guts that eat paint!

I also found the clay bar works great for bugs as well.
Old 08-25-06, 06:13 PM
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CeoStatus0
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i have some what of the same problem.. driving home at night on dark roads next to fields the bugs just come out of no where and splat. I usually just get a wet terry cloth and some quick detailer spray and wipe off.. i just bought some microfiber towels.. going to switch over to that.. but i'm just curious to know whats the best way without risking paint... i can't see myself cleaning the front end every night like i should be.. but every couple days would be ok
Old 08-25-06, 09:31 PM
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15951
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Drench the bugs for awhile to soften things up. Use a quality car wash and a good mitt. If you need something stronger, consider a really good bug sponge...I have an extraordinary 'concours' one that I bought from a S. Florida detailing vendor, but I'm not sure if I can mention details on here (moderator?). In any case, go gently...do not scrub, ever.

If all else fails, use a stronger chemical, such as a bug/tar remover. If you go this route, be prepared to wax when you're done, because all protection will be removed.

If the guts are old and stubborn, wash the vehicle, and then clay. Keep in mind, though, that some of what you think are guts might be etching in the clear. If bugs are left on for awhile in hot climates, they can damage the clearcoat pretty easily.
Old 08-30-06, 06:41 PM
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Nauticalx
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The best household product to use is WD40 hands down. Spray it on the bugs (not the cloth), let it soak for a half a minute and they wipe right off. Wipe off the excess WD40 with a dry cloth and then wax and polish it. WD40 removes the need for elbow grease.
Old 08-30-06, 07:27 PM
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yogregb
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I've had good luck with an ordinary bath towel soaked with water, just leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash as normal, no chemicals!
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