Lovebugs go by many names: kissing bugs, honeymoon bugs, March flies, and more. Although the many names may be endearing, lovebugs tend to conjure feelings of annoyance, disgust, and straight-up hate in most folks along the Gulf Coast. Even though detailers may see an uptick in business during lovebug season, the truth is, we really don’t like them either.
Not only can lovebugs cause lasting damage to your vehicle’s paint, but they can also cause a variety of other issues that may affect your engine. Not to mention, they’re just plain gross. Here are a few reminders about why you should keep your ride bug-free this summer, and tips on how to do it.
Risks
Etching
In this case, etching refers to the chemical breakdown of your vehicle’s clearcoat. When lovebugs build up on the surface of your vehicle and start to decompose, they secrete an acid that can actually break down and etch into the clear coat causing permanent damage. While damage to the clear coat can be corrected, if the acid is left for too long, it can actually make its way through the clear coat and leave permanent damage. Even though it is correctable It can come with a hefty bill of paint correction.
Engine Clogs
Did you know that if left unchecked, lovebugs can also damage your engine? Leaving lovebugs to accumulate on the grille restricts airflow to the radiator and can actually cause your engine to overheat. Lovebugs can also get stuck in the radiator and cause even more issues with overheating.
Preventative Measures
Wash Often
Wash your vehicle using a high-pressure hose to spray away any bug remains and debris. Use a degreaser on difficult clumps, then gently scrub with a microfiber cloth. Etching can happen quickly, so we recommend at least a quick rinse every few days to prevent etching.
Use a Protective Sealant
Frequent washes mean that you’ll need to apply a protective sealant to help maintain the clearcoat. Wax provides an excellent protective layer but tends to wash off quickly. Wax will need to be reapplied every few weeks during the season to ensure maximum protection. Ceramic coatings also provide excellent protection, and actually create a hard sacrificial layer that bonds to the surface of your paint. They can even last for years, so when next year’s lovebug season hits, you won’t have to worry. We recommend a service similar to our Seasonal Wash & Wax Package to protect your ride during lovebug season which happens two times a year. Once in the spring (April - May), and once in late summer (August - September)
Lovebug season may be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean you have to love it. We know that keeping them off your ride can be a full-time job, and for us, it is. If you find yourself with too many lovebugs and not enough time, the experts at Global Mobile Detailing are here for you, wherever you are.
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