Bugs
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 529
Likes: 35
From: VA
I know this doesn't help you now to clean the bug remains off, but this is one of the major reasons I advocate for everybody getting a nano ceramic coating put on their car if they care about the paint. If you aren't aware of it, you should look at solutions provided by vendors such as 22ple, CQuartz, Optimum, or others (there are many.)
With CQuartz UK on, I can literally safely scrape off the bug guts with my fingernail. They come off very easily even after they have been baked on by the sun. Heck, they wash off in the next rain (given we've had a lot of rain here in Houston lately) without me having to do anything.
With CQuartz UK on, I can literally safely scrape off the bug guts with my fingernail. They come off very easily even after they have been baked on by the sun. Heck, they wash off in the next rain (given we've had a lot of rain here in Houston lately) without me having to do anything.
I have clear film on my AW Z51 and CQuartz on the entire car (applied on top of clear film). After most drives I will have a ton of bugs on the front of my car, they're bad here in VA. But all I need is a good detail spray (I use Adams detail spray) and a microfiber towel and they all just wipe right off with no streaks or residue. They come off VERY easily! As a side note...bug and tar remover should be safe to use on your clear film. That should help to take some of those marks out. If not, you can try a LIGHT amount of lacquer thinner.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,431
Likes: 298
From: MN-C3, AZ-C7
Interesting to hear the feed back on 3M branded product. I have Venture Shield (purchased by 3M) on two DD's that see maximum highway speed bug catching and cleanup without a trace. I have a 2,200 mile trip coming up in the C7 with Xpel that I'll cover with a Novistretch to keep the grill/radiator clean.
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 155
Likes: 2
St. Jude Donor '15
Just dropped my car off at the detail shop, he's doing a primo cleaning, then Opti-coat, then clear film on nose and rockers and then Opti-coat on the film. Did this on my Mercedes and still looks as great as the day it was done 3 years ago.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 854
I have applied the OptiCoat2.0 on my 2009 Jaguar and it looks better than showroom condition. The Opticoat is a great product and well proven within the automobile industry detailing world.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 551
Likes: 48
From: Spring TX
While it is true that ceramic coatings don't protect from rock chips, plastic film doesn't really either. They can protect from sand or other abrasions but real rocks still dent or chip right through the plastic. I know this from experience.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 854
totally, also from past experience also using the 3M Film Shield product.Keep in mind these plastic film coatings can also discolor over an extended period due to the suns rays.
and
The edges can lift or peel away from the paint surface.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 840
Likes: 22
From: Dade City Florida
Griots Bug and tar removal. Follow the instructions. Plexus is a good protectorant, but doesn't work to well on removal. If the bugs were on a number of days they may have etched your mask permanently so ask your installer for other suggestions..
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 918
Likes: 266
From: Ft. Worth Tx.
Just took a 1800 mile trip to California. I had the same thing bugs and streaks. Looked terrible. But came right off.
I learned this with my C6. I keep it waxed with a good polymer wax and the same brand quick detailer. Comes off like magic. I use Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax and quick detailer.
I would guess the wax will remove streaks. I has for me. Hope this helps.
Good luck.
I learned this with my C6. I keep it waxed with a good polymer wax and the same brand quick detailer. Comes off like magic. I use Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax and quick detailer.
I would guess the wax will remove streaks. I has for me. Hope this helps.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,228
Likes: 4,355
From: Chirper Island
EZ Wax in the aerosol can works great for removing or preventing the bugs from sticking in the first place. It's not very durable, but it works great!
Works well for removing tar from the paint, too.
Works well for removing tar from the paint, too.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 708
Likes: 51
From: Huntersville, North Carolina
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,431
Likes: 298
From: MN-C3, AZ-C7
Bottom line for me. Treat the front end with my favorite protection product before leaving. I apply a detailer product during the trip when I clean the front end off to keep slickness at the max
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 854
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 2,306
From: Central UT
I'm sure there are lots of products that work, but here is what I've found very effective over the years. Over whatever paint protection you use (or don't use), I use Zaino products and finish with Z8 after each time I wash it - and if I'm in a hurry, I just hit the front and mirrors with Z8. After that, bugs virtually hose off. Very slick surface and great shine. Like I mentioned, I'm sure there are lots of other product that work, but if you do this prior to a trip your bug troubles are over. If I'm on a long road trip and wash the car during the trip, I have some Z8 with me and hit the front end when I'm done (and the mirrors) so that the bugs come off easily again.
