Autoglym warns of ‘bug-splat etching’, as a wet start to summer boosts UK’s insect populations

While most of us have been disappointed by 2024’s wet start to summer, the UK’s bug population could not be happier, as the moist conditions have caused a surge in their populations which is predicted to continue well into the autumn.

Autoglym, the UK’s largest car care brand, is warning motorists of a resulting spike in ‘bug splats’ on vehicle paintwork during the peak holiday season, and is advising motorists how best to safely remove insect remains before they attack sensitive exterior plastics and ‘etch’ the protective outer layer of a vehicle’s clearcoat lacquer.

According to Autoglym’s UK-based laboratory team, bug decomposition releases a blend of fatty acids and enzymes which can damage a vehicle’s sensitive exterior surfaces, such as gloss-black plastic trim.

In addition, during the warmer summer months, bug remains can cause ‘etching’ of the paintwork. This occurs when the clear lacquer topcoat that protects the car’s multiple layers of paint repeatedly soften and harden as temperatures rise and fall, forming an uneven surface around the bug residues. Compared to the surrounding smooth lacquer, the areas with etching distort light and interrupt the reflective glossy appearance. It is almost impossible to remove these etches effectively by hand, requiring a machine polisher to restore a truly smooth finish.

Removing the dead bugs quickly is vital; however, motorists need to be wary of insect removal products that contain solvents. Insect residue is mostly located on the front of the car where there are often plastic trim elements which can be damaged by formulations with higher concentrations of solvent. This is why, for example, Autoglym’s products are designed to be safe to use on all vehicle surfaces.

John Anderson, Senior Technologist at Autoglym, explains: “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 remove hardened deposits, Autoglym’s Active Insect Remover has been formulated to do the job quickly, effectively and gently. The product can be used before the main wash as a pre-spray to soften residues, or after a wash to remove any remaining splatter. 

To compliment Active Insect Remover, Autoglym recommends a pre-emptive wash using Ceramic Wash & Protect, an easy-to-use triple-action ceramic car shampoo that delivers a deep clean, creates a smooth high-gloss shine, and leaves a durable water-repellent layer of protection.

To purchase Autoglym products, visit Amazon.co.uk/Autoglym.