Had the car for one month today and despite one washing prior to today and the washing today there is already bug damage on the bumper, bonnet and grille.

The guys at the car wash place said they tried using a compound wax to remove some of the stuff but it just wouldn't come off. These guys usually do an excellent job so I know they really tried.

Does any one have any suggestions on how I can get the crap off?

 

I wash once a week and that seems to help the areas that aren't covered by the Autoclearguard clear bra.

 

ALOT of wash... that's how i get the typical stuff off...

otherwise... i'd try spraying with water, spray QD heavily on the bug carcass, and just wipe off with somethin microfiber

 

I actually used Simple Green once to remove them pretty well. Of course this was the beginning of my waxing project for last year so no worries about removing the wax this way. Follow up with clay bar took them all off.


I have also just taken a towel and left it on the bonnet for a few minutes, soaked with car wash soap. This seems to help soften them up more than just wetting things down as the water quickly dries or runs off.

 

Just today, on another forum I posted my amazement this weekend with my experience of bugs: Here's my post:

" I went to Peoria and back Saturday (don't ask) and collected about 6 hours worth of bugs on the Audi S4. The goey little critters came in a rainbow of colors and an assortment of sizes and they were ALL on the front bumper, hood and mirrors.

The way the S4 bumper panels are layed out there are some specific crease lines. For convenience sake, and since I had a limited supply, I just used Z8 (Zaino's new Grand Finale Spray Sealer) on the top section of the bumper, the hood and the roof. I Z6 quick detailed the rest of the car. (I have been having water spotting issues and have been concerned with the horizontal panels on late)

When I got back from my trip I started to use my 1Z Einzett Bug Cleaner which I love, but they were coming off so easy I decided to just try quick detailer and a MF. So I used some Z6 to wipe off the bugs.

There was a REMARKABLY distinct difference between the Z8 coated panels and the Z6 coated panels regarding how easy it was to wipe off the bugs. The bugs just barely stuck to the Z8. Wiped off literally in one swipe in most cases. The Other areas coated with Z6 took a couple more swipes.

Thought that was pretty cool."

Points: Dedicated Bug Remover works best at cleanup. They attack the acids in the guts , neutralize them, break them down and stop them from staining the surface.

A quality wax or sealant will do wonders in repelling or at least helping stop the bugs from sticking. I have never seen results like I got from Zaino, especially the new Z8 Grand Finale coated sections.

 

Hope everyone enjoyed that wonderful 10-day window, when the ash/salt trucks stop dumping anti-skid crap on the roads and the bugs are not quite out in full force yet. I'm happy about the warmer weather, but the milder temperatures have really turned me into a mass murderer on the highway. A thick coat of wax seems to help me clean up the evidence though.

 

Once you get the bug crap off, consider investing in a 3M Clear Bra to protect the front end from road stones and bug splatter.

 

I have used Simple Green at 1/4 to 1/2 strength. park in the shade somewhere and wet those bug carcasses down with the stuff and let it sit for 30 minutes or so.

IT will remove your wax also, but it does a great job of separating the bugs from the paint.

Once your MINI is all clean, remember to use your MINI's fantastic handling to drive AROUND the bugs!

 

I fully Zainod my ride a few days after delivery, and just got my first 'bugging' last weekend. They all slid right off, thanks to the Zaino! My Z8 is en-route - I can't wait to try it!

 

They told us the Z8 was even slicker. Looks like they were right

 

Maguire's Ouick Detail seems to work fine, but we don't get big juicy bugs out har in the GAW JB

 

Turtle Wax Bug, Tar, and Sap Remover always worked well on my other cars but haven't tried it yet on the MINI. Has anyone?

Hugh

 

Yep, it works fine. It does strip the areas you use it on of wax, though, correct? Can anyone chime in with that answer?

mb

 

Number 1: Don't take it to a car wash!

Number 2: Wash it more frequently (don't let bug juice bake on over time).

Number 3: Wash it yourself!

Number 4: Wash it again!

Really people, taking a Mini to a car wash should be against the law!

 

Thats helpful.


I hate washing cars.
I won't do it myself.
My city has restrictions on when you can use your water and what you can use it for.