Leave bug guts or strip the sealant?

RhinoNC · 07-30-03, 06:35

Last week I took a long drive to visit in-laws. It was a 12 hour drive. When I got there, I had bugs all over the front. I was there for 4 days.

So here's my dilemma. I didn't have any of my detailing stuff, but my hosts had a bunch of bug and tar remover.

So on the one hand, the bug guts were bad. I thought that using the bug and tar remover would have stripped the AIO and 2 coats of SG that I had. I figured that would have left the area unprotected on the drive home.

So what should I have done? Removed the bug guts, or left them there, or am I wrong in thinking that the bug remover would have stripped the SG?

4DSC · 07-30-03, 06:49

I would remove the bug guts. Definitely.

They can do a LOT more damage to your paint than leaving the paint unprotected for a few days.

Next time, keep a "emergency kit" in your car. Mine is a couple tiny bottles of QD and glass cleaner. QD will protect the paint well enough for a few days until you can get home.

Lynn · 07-30-03, 08:26

That's why you need to keep a little spray bottle of Poorboy's Spray & Wipe, plus a couple of MFs, on hand. I would be terrified to use anything as strong as bug-tar remover, but I've had great success using S&W on my Zaino when I needed a quick fix in a situation like you described. And I do not believe it removed/reduced the Z. So (just guessing) I would guess it would not affect your Klasse.

bretfraz · 07-30-03, 08:33

Remove the bug guts!! They're acidic and will eat into your paint if left on. Who cares about the sealant?!? It can always be reapplied.

Besides, the SG is there to be sacrificed for situations just like this. This should be a primary reason you use a sealant in the first place.

Scottwax · 07-30-03, 09:06

Like Bret said, the bug guts will do a lot of damage. You could always buy a bottle of Mothers or Meguiars Cleaner Wax for some temporary protection.

Whenever I take trips, one of the first things I do is blast all the bug guts off the front end of the car.

Macgirl · 07-31-03, 07:05

I like to also pack a bag for my car when I travel! I keep a medium sized Rubbermaid-type bin in the truck stocked with my car shampoo and Sonax bug remover, a chennile mitt, several MF's including a BB, and a bottle of QD product. When I arrive at my destination and have the time I treat my car to a bath. I also use a front end cover (bra) just for those long trips. I don't like to use a "bug and tar remover" unless it is a really tough job, the Sonax works pretty good and it hasn't removed my 1Z Glanz wax yet. For tar I prefer to use WD-40, dissolves it on contact, barely have to wipe.

Accumulator · 07-31-03, 09:12

No poll response becaue I'd say "none of the above". With a few layers of SG on there, just clay 'em off.

I clay bug splatters off when I wash. Just did this to Accumulatorette's A8 after her trip down south. Ohio to TN to AL to TN to OH, nearly two weeks of this without a wash. Pretty heavy bug build-up. Cleaned right off, no need to rewax. This works EVEN BETTER on my Klassed vehicles.

Scott P · 07-31-03, 09:46

Take them all off but one. Use that little guy as a reminder to other bugs of what will happen if they get in your way...

Luster · 07-31-03, 01:38

There is ALWAYS a bottle of QD and a couple MF towels in my trunk for just such occasions.

I travel a couple times per month a 400 mile round trip.

I just saturate the bug juice with QD and let it soak for 3-5 minutes.

It's amazing how easy they come right off.

Then I go hand wash my MF's in my hotel room.

(If I get really bored, I give the front end a fresh coat of Z!!!!)

JimS · 07-31-03, 02:57

Read my lips.....POORBOYS SPRAY AND WIPE!!!!!!!!!! Never, never ever leave home without it!!

I visit my grandkids in Chicago, three hours drive from here, at least once a month and like your car my truck is covered with bugs when I get there.

I spray on Spray and Wipe, let it sit for a few minutes.....5 or so, then the grandsons BEG for me to let them help me get the bugs off. I give them each a heapy/cheapy mf towel and a spray bottle of S&W and turn them loose (ages 10 & 8). They do the grill and bumber, where I'd be in pain from my bad back and knees, while I do the windshield that they can't reach. Whatta team!....me...the grandsons....and Steve's S&W!!!

The spray and wipe will do the job. I use either a wwmf or a reg. mf towel....it doesn't seem to matter which.