Wet UK Summer Boosts Insect Population: Risks And Solutions For Car Owners

Published: Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 14:36 [IST]

Experts forecast a rise in the UK's bug population due to increased wet and warm weather. This surge is causing more 'bug splats' on vehicles. 'Etching' happens when the clearcoat lacquer softens around the bug splat in high temperatures and hardens when cool. Leading car care brand Autoglym advises drivers to protect their paintwork and remove bug residues promptly to prevent damage.

Autoglym's UK-based lab team explains that decomposing bugs release fatty acids and enzymes, which can harm a vehicle's exterior surfaces like gloss-black plastic trim. During warmer months, bug remains can cause 'etching' of the paintwork. This occurs as the clear lacquer topcoat repeatedly softens and hardens with temperature changes, creating an uneven surface around the bug residues.

Removing dead bugs quickly is crucial, but motorists should avoid insect removal products with solvents. Insect residue often accumulates on the front of cars, where plastic trim elements can be damaged by high solvent concentrations. Autoglym’s products are designed to be safe for all vehicle surfaces.

John Anderson, Senior Technologist at Autoglym, advises: "With a surge in the UK’s insect population, we strongly recommend drivers prepare their vehicles with a layer of protection and remove any insect splatter as quickly as possible – ideally when the residues are cool and damp. Cleaning early in the day or the evening when bug splats are softer will help to make the job of cleaning and removing them easier, while also being safer on paintwork."

To tackle hardened deposits, Autoglym’s Active Insect Remover is formulated for quick, effective, and gentle use. It can be applied before washing as a pre-spray to soften residues or after washing to remove any remaining splatter. To complement this product, Autoglym suggests using Ceramic Wash & Protect for a deep clean, smooth high-gloss shine, and durable water-repellent protection.

Autoglym's Product Range

Founded in 1965, Autoglym is the UK's largest vehicle care brand. All chemical products are developed, tested, and produced at its state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities in Letchworth Garden City, North Hertfordshire. The company exports to over 45 countries and offers over 60 award-winning products catering to both casual users and car care enthusiasts.

Autoglym also has a Professional range for valeters and companies cleaning large public-service vehicles like buses and trains. Additionally, it operates a successful LifeShine paint protection system sold by franchised and independent vehicle retailers across the UK with a lifetime guarantee.

The increase in wet weather has led to a rise in bug populations in the UK this year. This trend is expected to continue into autumn. Motorists are advised to apply protective layers on their vehicles' paintwork and remove insect remains swiftly to prevent damage from etching.

For more information about Autoglym products or to make purchases, visit Autoglym.com or other online retailers like Amazon.co.uk/Autoglym or Halfords.

The moist conditions have caused a surge in bug populations which is predicted to continue well into autumn*. This has resulted in an increase in ‘bug splats’ on vehicle paintwork during peak holiday season.

To purchase Autoglym products, visit Autoglym.com or other online retailers like Amazon.co.uk/Autoglym or Halfords.