What pollen, lovebugs, sap and birds do to a finish, and how fast to deal with each. Every claim links to its source.
Spring leaves a yellow film on cars.
“our cars are continuously draped with a yellow coat of pollen.”Freshwater Land Trust
Counts keep rising into April.
“Pollen counts become higher in April due to additional tree pollens from Ash, Mulberry, Oak, Pecan, and Sycamore trees.”WVTM 13
Lovebugs fly in two big waves a year.
“Major flights occur twice a year, around May and September, for four weeks each time.”Clemson Cooperative Extension
They are hard on paint if they sit.
“they can damage paint finishes when their acidic body fluids are left on a vehicle.” Splattered lovebugs “should be removed within a day or so to prevent permanent damage.”Clemson Cooperative Extension
A good coat of wax helps.
“Paint damage to cars is lessened if a car is well-waxed.”Clemson Cooperative Extension
Sap gets worse with heat.
“Get the sap off as soon as possible, because it will eventually eat through the paint, especially as the days warm up.” “Heat accelerates how the sap sticks to the paint.”Consumer Reports
Even small drops do damage as they dry.
“Tree sap drops shrink over time, and as they shrink they create stress on your car’s finish.”Consumer Reports
Droppings work on the finish the same way sap does.
“Bird droppings are another source of potential damage since they act similarly to the tree sap,” shrinking and stressing the car’s finish. “Don’t let tree sap or bird droppings linger for days.”Consumer Reports
Wax does not last long.
“Our tests have shown that wax lasts only a few weeks, so it’s best to wax at least once a season.”Consumer Reports
Visions Hydro does car washes and detailing in Tuscaloosa. Call (205) 860-3063 to book.