How to Remove Love Bugs...............

[RonW]

without scratching the paint. After evacuating for Katrina and driving thru Lafayette, LA the truck's front end was covered with bugs. I went to a car wash and pressure washed them off. Upon driving home it was covered again. With all the cleanup it's been 3 weeks and I washed the truck today and there is still evidence of the bugs. Will a clay bar work?

Thanks in advance,

RonW.

[nick1897]

Claying should work, or you can try Meguiars Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover.

http://www.sparkleauto.com/meguiars/auto/bug_tar.html

[Elite M.D.]

I spray soapy water where the bugs are. Let it sit for a minute then pressure wash them off. Helps a lot.

[refurbish]

whatever bug remover you choose let it sit on the surface
for about 30 seconds or a little longer to soften the
ones that sat on there for a while.

( don't let it dry on the surface though ) you probably already
knew that )

[Jbirk]

You can get a terry cotton cloth 100% such as the Meguiar's Ultra Plush Terry and soak it in the wash water and slap it over the bugs. Then let it sit and ever 5 or so minutes for a half hour just poor some more of the water on the towel never letting it dry on any of the car.

Finally after a good, long soak, wipe them off and rinse that are then change your water and wash the car.

[E-Jag]

Two more solutions:
1. Spray/wipe bugs with hydrogen peroxide and let sit for a minute. They will get foamy, then they rinse/wipe right off.
2. Moisten a "Bounce" fabric softener sheet with water and wipe over bugs. They emulsify in a few seconds and wipe right off.

E-Jag

[mag88]

What if the bugs were left on too long and the paint is etched. What is the best way to fix the defects?

thanks

[Chain]

Originally posted by Jbirk
You can get a terry cotton cloth 100% such as the Meguiar's Ultra Plush Terry and soak it in the wash water and slap it over the bugs. Then let it sit and ever 5 or so minutes for a half hour just poor some more of the water on the towel never letting it dry on any of the car.

Finally after a good, long soak, wipe them off and rinse that are then change your water and wash the car.

This technique works perfectly. I used it all the time to clean bugs off the front end of my sportbike and helmet.

[Bama]

Originally posted by mag88
What if the bugs were left on too long and the paint is etched. What is the best way to fix the defects?

thanks

You are in trouble. Repaint.

Once they etch the paint, you really have to dig deep into the finish to remove the problem. In my experience, they etch all the way into the base coat and through the clear coat.

With lovebugs, you have to be proactive. Remove ASAP or you will have major problems.