Detailing 101 Need to find out how to pamper your new MINI? Find out all the detailing secrets here.

OCD detailer in training... help a commuter!

Old Aug 31, 2012 | 05:22 AM
  #1  
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shipjumper
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From: graniteville, VT
OCD detailer in training... help a commuter!

I drive 500 miles a week in my 09 justa clubman. hills, highways (mainly) and some dirt roads.

I get lots upon lots of dead bugs on the front of the car. I do wash and wax every week, but bugs prove to be difficult, and I am not seeing a thread on bug removal as of yet.

what ye say detailers? What do you use for suicidal bug bodies?
 
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Old Aug 31, 2012 | 05:58 AM
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CR&PW&JB
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Clay bar.

Then put a good coat of wax on the front to make it easier to get them off in the future.
 
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Old Aug 31, 2012 | 06:29 AM
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shipjumper
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Thats what I have been doing... I have used bug and tar remover before, do you recommend it? Some times I hit swarms and they get crusty and nasty before I can get to them...

Any options on windsheilds?
 
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Old Aug 31, 2012 | 06:47 AM
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I don't use it. But if you do, make sure you reapply wax as it will remove the wax, too.

You can treat the windshield just like the paing. Clay bar it, wax it.
 
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Old Sep 1, 2012 | 06:49 AM
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Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB
I don't use it. But if you do, make sure you reapply wax as it will remove the wax, too.

You can treat the windshield just like the paing. Clay bar it, wax it.
Yup, same here. I had tried rainX on the windshield but it just doesn't last long enough to help with the bugs on my 100 mile/day commute.

You can try a wax as you dry product such as Hydro to make life easy when applying. Another good all-surface wax is Chemical Guys V7.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 03:47 AM
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From: Brockton
Originally Posted by NJ Mini
Another good all-surface wax is Chemical Guys V7.
Great product!!!

I use stoners tarminator. You can get it at detailers domain or advanced auto parts. It really loosens up the bugs. Clay bar is always good too.

As for rain-x on the windshield it won't help much with the bugs. But just clay the windshield I do mine all the time.
 
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Old Sep 19, 2012 | 04:38 AM
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I did claybar and wax the windsheild, then hit a swarm of gnats on the way home... they stayed there even after hitting them multiple times with the jets... then it rained hard... they are gone now. ergh.
 
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Old Sep 19, 2012 | 07:35 PM
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With the windscreen being as upright as it is in the MINI, you definitely get more bug splatter on there than other cars. Over the summer, I keep a small detailing bag-o-stuff in the trunk, including the window cleaner, quick detailer, spray wax and some microfiber towels to deal with bugs/birds. You may want to also consider keeping a waterless wash product with you as well.

With a long commute, unfortunately you really can't keep the car as pristine as you'd like.
 
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Old Sep 19, 2012 | 07:44 PM
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A friend suggested that Harley drivers use Pledge (furniture polish) on the windscreen, which makes it easy to remove bugs. Might be worth a try. If anyone knows about bugs, it would be a bunch of bikers!
 
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Old Sep 23, 2012 | 07:56 PM
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^^^^ I have never heard that one. I own three Harleys and now my mini and have always used BugSlide. Really good stuff and it isnt too harsh of a chemical. I just use a really soft bug sponge on them. Removing bugs ASAP is a big helper too. Also for a big commuter I think looking into the 3M clear bug guard on the front might be an option for you. It is pricey, but it keeps your paint safe. Got it on my mini and you cant even see it and makes bugs easy to come off and when you cant get them off as soon as you like you dont have to worry about your paint being eaten.
 
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