Removing dead bugs from your vehicle is crucial for maintaining its appearance and protecting its surfaces. Not only are bug guts unsightly, but they can also pose significant harm. Remembering your high school chemistry class, you likely learned about the pH scale, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid solution. A lower pH value indicates higher acidity, while a higher pH value suggests greater alkalinity. For instance, lemon juice has a pH level of 2, while an average degreaser registers around 12. By averaging these two numbers (2 and 12), we arrive at a neutral pH of 7.

Most bug guts tend to be highly acidic, ranking low on the pH scale. Even those that are alkaline or pH-neutral can become acidic when exposed to prolonged sunlight. Acidic substances, as we know, can cause significant damage to your vehicle's surfaces. In the case of bug guts, this damage is commonly referred to as "bug etchings."

When it comes to selecting a cleaning solution for removing bugs, it's crucial to act promptly. Within the first 24 hours, the acidity of bug splatter can be at its strongest, rapidly corroding your clear coat. If your car is left exposed to sunlight, the heat can accelerate the etching process, leading to permanent damage within a few hours. Rectifying this damage can be extremely challenging, and in severe cases, it may require sanding and advanced paint job correction by professional detailers. 

Top Picks For Bug Removal 

Gyeon Bug & Grime 

Q²M Bug&Grime is a strong and very efficient pre-wash product developed specially for the removal of insects, bugs and grime. It dissolves contamination and ensures safe and scratch-free wash afterwards. It is the first choice product after every summer evening ride. Q²M Bug&Grime works fast and effective and is coating-safe at the same time.

Available here - https://www.mycarcleaning.co.uk/products/gyeon-q2m-bug-amp-grime?_pos=1&_sid=cd9681569&_ss=r

CarPro Bug Out 

A no-splash foam, designed to dissolve insect marks fast! The perfect solution for one of the greatest detriments to automotive finishes - bugs! Safe for use on coated surfaces, glass, and Paint Protection Film. CARPRO Bug-Out safely and easily removes smashed and baked on bugs, while softening hard-shelled bugs for safe removal.

Directions for use:

• Shake bottle well
• Spray on the insect stains
• Wait 5-30 seconds to dissolve
• Remove all residue
• Do not leave on the surface for longer than 5 minutes
• Avoid use in direct sun

Available here - https://www.mycarcleaning.co.uk/products/carpro-bug-out-insect-remover?_pos=1&_sid=4d6bfca38&_ss=r

Gtechniq Bug Remover

W8 Bug Remover is a 100% biodegradable, pH neutral formula. It makes light work of removing bug splatter without relying on aggressive caustic ingredients.

Unlike traditional bug removers, W8 will not affect the performance of any of Gtechniq’s coatings.

• Shake bottle well before use and wear gloves
• Use out of direct sunlight
• Spray W8 onto bug splatter and allow to dwell for 3-5 minutes
• Rise and repeat if necessary
• In extreme cases, agitate the surface with a MF1 ZeroR Microfibre Buff Cloth
• Store in a cool, dry place

Available Here - https://www.mycarcleaning.co.uk/products/gtechniq-w8-bug-remover-v2-500ml?_pos=18&_sid=a3c08472b&_ss=r