The Top 5 Enemies of Your Car’s Paint This Summer (And How to Fight Back)
Summer is for road trips, sunshine, and showing off that freshly washed ride.
But it’s also open season on your car’s paint job — with natural enemies lurking everywhere.
From kamikaze bugs to acidic bird bombs, your car faces real threats during summer.
Here’s a look at the Top 5 Paint Killers — and how to fight back without making it worse.
1. Bird Poop: Small Drop, Big Damage
Why it’s bad:
Bird droppings are highly acidic. If left too long, they can etch through clear coat and even damage the base paint.
Quick Fix (The Right Way):
• Don’t scrub dry poop — that can scratch!
• Soak a microfiber cloth in warm water or a gentle detail spray.
• Lay it on the spot for 2–3 minutes to soften.
• Gently lift it away. No circular motion needed.
• Rinse the area and dry with a clean towel.
Pro Tip: Keep a small spray bottle of water + mild car shampoo in your trunk with a soft cloth.
2. Bug Splatters: Nature’s Sticky Grenades
Why it’s bad:
Dead bugs can bond to your paint, especially in hot sun. Their guts contain enzymes that eat away at your clear coat.
How to Clean:
• Use a bug & tar remover or a citrus-based car-safe cleaner.
• Let it sit for 1–2 minutes (don’t let it dry).
• Wipe with a microfiber towel — not paper towels!
• Rinse and gently dry.
Don’t: Use rough scrubbing pads or household cleaners like Windex.
3. Tree Sap: The Silent Paint Assassin
Why it’s bad:
Tree sap hardens in the sun, sticking to your paint like glue. Over time, it can cause discoloration and permanent staining.
Removal Trick:
• Use rubbing alcohol or a dedicated sap remover.
• Apply a small amount to a microfiber towel.
• Press (don’t rub!) the towel on the sap spot for 30–60 seconds.
• Gently wipe it away and wash the area afterward.
Never: Scrape it off dry — that’s a one-way ticket to scratch town.
4. UV Rays: The Invisible Paint Fader
Why it’s bad:
Extended sun exposure can cause your paint to fade, oxidize, or peel, especially on darker or red-colored cars.
How to Protect Your Paint:
• Park in the shade or use a car cover.
• Apply a high-quality wax or paint sealant every 2–3 months.
• Consider ceramic coating for long-term protection.
Bonus: UV protection also keeps your interior from fading and cracking.
5. Road Tar & Asphalt: Sticky and Sneaky
Why it’s bad:
Road construction ramps up in summer. Tar and asphalt splatter can bake onto your lower panels, damaging the paint if not removed.
How to Safely Remove Tar:
• Use a tar remover or WD-40 (yes, really — just test a spot first).
• Let it sit for a minute or two.
• Gently wipe off with a microfiber towel.
• Wash and wax the area to restore protection.
Summer Paint Survival Kit (Keep in Your Trunk!)
• Microfiber cloths (x2)
• Spray bottle with water + mild car shampoo
• Bug/tar remover
• Rubbing alcohol
• Detail spray or quick wax
• Clean towel
Need Professional Help?
Sometimes the damage is already done — and that’s where we come in. Whether it’s minor etching or serious clear coat damage, we can restore your paint to pre-summer glory.
📞 Call us today to schedule a summer detail or paint correction.
Let us handle the sticky stuff — so you can enjoy the ride.