How to Clean Bugs Off Car Bumper and Body Panels
Your front bumper is, unfortunately, a bug magnet. The glow of your headlights attracts insects at night, and no matter how fast or slow youre driving, the impact of dozens (or even hundreds) of bugs can leave you with a mess on the front bumper and hood of your INFINITI.
Clean Promptly and Regularly
Youll want to act fairly quickly to remove bugs from painted areas of your exterior, as bacteria and acid from splatters can adversely affect your paint job (not to mention, the longer you wait, the harder these splatters are to remove). Since warm summer weather means an even higher insect presence, its a good idea to clean your front bumper, hood, and body panels at least once every other week, if not more frequently.
Use the Right Tools
When cleaning your bumper, or anywhere on your INFINITIs exterior body panels, its important to use towels and sponges that wont scratch or damage the paint and finish. A microfiber towel has enough surface texture to scrub away bugs while still being soft enough to help preserve your paint job. Or, choose a sponge specifically designed for bug or road kill removal. These sponges typically have a microfiber core with an outer mesh layer to gently scrub away bug residue (along with a bit of elbow grease, of course). Avoid using terry cloth towels, as they can be too abrasive and leave tiny scratches or scuffs in your paint.
Choose Your Products Wisely
Sometimes, a regular car wash with auto detergent is enough to remove dead bugs from your car. Other times, you need something with a bit more impact. If youve washed your car to no avail, turn to a product designed specifically for bug and tar removal (these formulas are sold in ready-to-use spray bottles or as concentrated liquids). You may be tempted to use glass cleaner on your bumper or hood, but its not a good idea. Glass cleaner is fine for your windshield but can break down the coating that protects your exterior paint.
Try a Home Remedy for Bug Removal
If youd rather not purchase a specific bug removal product, try using what you already have at home. Some types of household lubricating products can help decrease bug spots (do your research to be sure the type you have is safe for your car). Baby oil can provide just enough slip to help you buff off bug stains with a sponge or microfiber towel, or a mixture of baby shampoo (which is gentler than regular shampoo or dish soap) and vinegar can be used as an alternative to chemical sprays. Be sure to rinse off any soap mixtures before they dry.
The products and tools you choose can make things easier, but the time and effort you spend scrubbing will make the biggest difference. There are no miracle products that magically evaporate stubborn bug residue, but your energy will be worth it to help keep your INFINITIs exterior pristine. Much like removing bugs from your exterior body panels, getting them off the windshield will require prompt action, the proper tools, and a bit of work. Avoid using oil-based products on your windshield, and instead reach for specially-formulated glass cleaner or a mix of warm water and vinegar. When cleaning bugs off any part of your INFINITI, time is of the essence. When youre driving, you can clean off bug splatters as soon as they happen using your vehicles built-in windshield washing system. Remember, though, that old or misshapen windshield wiper blades can make bug splatters worse, not better. If its been more than 6 months since you last changed your wiper blades, it could be time to install new ones. Top off your wiper fluid regularly, and address any leaks or cracks in your wiper fluid reservoir ASAP to help keep your windshield clean.