Bug removal (short version)
Bug guts are one of the main dangers to your paint as they will etch in it, requiring at worst a strong polishing or even a repaint to be fixed. These are good steps to follow for bug removal Step 0 –
- Clean your car regularly and keep it sealed with protection, the more time they bake on the worse the damage and the stronger the chemical you need to remove them
- fresh bug guts can be rinsed away with distilled water or washed away with a partial rinseless wash
- bug removers are for the most part alkaline and contain enzymes or solvents that help a lot with breakdown of bug guts
- bug removers also can weaken your protection so make sure to reapply some after use.
- if the contamination is high do a full wash with an alkaline pre wash
- bug scrubbers and clay are last resort tools and have a good chance of marring your paint but not glass or unpainted plastic trim. They will remove stubborn guts.
Regular maintenance is key!
For a more in depth article check out https://howtoautodetail.com/docs/detailing-guides/exterior/bug-removal/