Love bugs harm your car's paint. As the temperatures rise, it's that time of year again when Love Bugs make their appearance and can do significant damage to your vehicle's paint job. Not only are they a nuisance to clean off, but they can also cause corrosion to your vehicle's paint if left unattended.
Love Bugs are known for their acidic bodies that damage the paint on your car. During the mating season, which can last for several weeks, these bugs swarm in large numbers, causing a heavy buildup of their acidic remains on cars. If not removed quickly, the acidity in their bodies can eat through a car's protective clear coat, causing permanent damage to the paint.
As a car owner, it is highly recommended that you take immediate action to prevent any permanent damage from occurring as soon as you spot a Love Bug. Damage typically happens if the bugs stay on the car for more than 24 to 48 hours. You could try to wash them off with soap and water or other cleaning detergents, but these methods are often not effective enough to fully remove the acidic residue.
Safe Removal Tips
• Never dry wipe: Wiping dried bugs acts like sandpaper and scratches the clear coat.
• Soak first: Always wet and lubricate the area with water or a bug and tar remover before gentle wiping.
• Wash promptly: Clean your car soon after driving through a swarm.
